Imphal, January 05: As preventive measures against bamboo flowering in Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts as well as in Jiribam sub-division areas, the State Government has officially approved cutting down a variety of these plants.

According to a Forest Department source, phenomenon of widespread flowering of a particular bamboo variety - locally known as Mubi - is imminent in the current year.

The Department would not levy loyalty tax upon the villagers concerned for felling this bamboo type, the source added.

This variety is said to be available in plenty in the two districts and Jiribam areas, said the source while adding that cutting/slashing is the only possible preventive action to avoid drastic consequences from bamboo flowering.

In view of the high possibility of the naturally destructive phenomenon the Government had already issued necessary orders last year itself allowing the villagers to fell and utilise the plants for purposeful economic ventures, informed the source.

It also conveyed of the Department having identified areas through satellite mapping where mass cutting is inevitable.

In tandem with the cutting and slashing villagers have been advised to strictly follow procedures for replenishing the greenery through application of afforestation measures at the same zone, it added.

A project proposal sent by the State to the Ministry of Forests and Environment on the matter has been duly approved but actual ground work could not be executed as earmarked assistance of Rs 10 crore has not yet been released till date, maintained the source.

In addition to the said measures, the State level officer Committee formed to assess the imminent situation had already chalked out plan to deal with economic and social constraints likely to besiege the affected people.

Among the remedial/redressal plans, Agriculture Department would handle the task of keeping in check rodent population while offices of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Tribal Development would shoulder the task of temporary employment and income generation source, explained the source.

Food and Civil Supplies Department has also an important role to play in case of food scarcity, said the source while adding that the Department has been advised to ensure sufficient food-stock.

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