Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 09:
Verdict passed by the Supreme Court, it seems have little no effect in the State as trees continue to be cut at an alarming rate despite the apex court banning the same.
Despite the Court directive against the practice in December 1996, saw mills nevertheless are still sprouting unhindered even in reserved forest areas, said Forest Department sources.
Not only has the State Forest Department failed to implement the SC's restriction felling timber but it has also failed to implement the directives for constitution of a working plan at the district level.
Barring Ukhrul and Chandel districts the Central Government plan could not be implemented in other districts of the State.
The plan envisages recording number of existing trees, its varieties and age in forest areas of the district.
Asserting that the plan execution requires Rs 15 lakhs each, the source said process are underway although at a snail's pace at Tamenglong and Jiribam sub-division.
Defiance by village chiefs/authorities on the SC ruling has also constricted State Government functionaries on the matter necessitating campaigns at respective villages.
As per Govt of India's forest policy.
Forest Development Agency should be set up at designated Forest Circles with Conservator of Forest as chairman, Divisional Forest Officer as member secretary for preservation and maintenance of identified forest land.
To ensure proper adherence to the of FDAS Ministry of Forest and Environment, Govt of India has sanctioned a total of Rs 240 lakhs for (1) Central Circle (2) Ukhrul Circle and (3) West (Jiribam) Circle, disclosed the source.
On the other hand State Government has also failed to abide by Govt of India's stricture to prohibit saw mills in areas outside the purview of Industrial Estate.
In contrast to the restrictions saw mills could be seen fully functional within Kangpokpi Reserved Area and periodic sprouting of the same in other pockets of the State.