Chandel demands protection of environment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 04 2011:
Demanding protection of environment and action on climate change, a sit-in-protest demonstration was staged at the community hall of Chandel
district headquarters today.
The protest demonstration was organised under the joint aegis of Christian Social Development Organisation (CSDO), Chandel and Chandel Khubol Social Welfare Arts and Culture Association (CKSWACA).
Speaking to mediapersons on the sideline of the protest demonstration, co-ordinator of CSDO RD Paul observed that all the communities in Manipur depend their livelihood on their environment.
So when the Government takes up any action plan on climate change, it should take into account the issues related to construction of destructive dams, commercialisation of forest products and waste land as well.
The Government should also not take away land from the people in the name of development and privatisation of forest should be stopped, Paul demanded, adding that people and more particularly the tribals who depended on the forest and its products would never accept privatisation of forest and commercialisation of medicinal plants.
Placards inscribed with slogans like 'Respect Indigenous People's Rights', 'Save river, save forest', 'Let the rivers flow freely', 'No commercialisation of forest products', 'Save medicinal plants for future generation',' No carbon trading', 'Say no to land privatisation' were seen being used during the protest demonstration.