Minister CL John inaugurates Forest Beat Office, Khezhakeno, Phek

Nagaland’s Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, on April 24 inaugurated the Forest Beat Office at Khezhakeno, under Phek District, in the presence of local MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero, Head of the Department, department officials, and village leaders.

According to an update, Minister John in his address stated that the establishment of the Forest Beat Office at Khezhakeno will be the first line of defense against forest fires, illegal activities, poaching, and other threats to the forest ecosystem.

He also sought cooperation from the stakeholders of Khezhakeno and neighbouring villages. He acknowledged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his unwavering support and commitment to progressive development in the state, providing steadfast and continuous backing for the welfare of the people.

Meanwhile, MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero in his speech said that Khezhakeno is a legendary village that attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, during certain seasons of the year.

He stated that Khezhakeno is also a strategic point of entry and exit as it borders the state of Manipur. As such, there is an urgent need for development, especially in the road sector, as this will boost tourism in the state.

Dr Mero also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Minister CL John for allocating funds to make this long-cherished need a reality. He also expressed his gratitude to the Forest Department.

Tsukhenyie Festival at Pfutseromi

Following the inauguration of the office, the minister and other dignitaries attended the Tsukhenyie Festival, hosted by the Pfutseromi Youth Organization (PYO) on the occasion of the 76th Annual Youth Day held at the local ground, Pfutseromi village under Phek District.

At the festival, the Minister appealed to the community to stop hunting wild animals and birds and called for afforestation while discouraging forest burning and deforestation, as the climate is deteriorating drastically day by day.

John also encouraged the community to come up with ideas to conserve forests through local control and participation in forest management in the region, as this would offer ecological benefits like biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate change mitigation.

The Minister urged the people to be aware of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which was amended as the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, primarily focusing on the conservation, protection, and management of wildlife.

Furthermore, the Minister urged the Pfutseromi Youth Organization to support youth-led initiatives, incorporate youth perspectives, create safe spaces, and foster a culture of inclusivity.

Meanwhile, MLA Dr Mero encouraged the youths to be responsible citizens and ambassadors for peace. He also expressed delight that, for the first time, a Minister from Eastern Nagaland stepped into Pfutseromi village as a special guest, adding that Minister John’s footprints will always be recorded in the history of Pfutseromi.

Dr Mero also told the youths to set concrete pillars with zeal and vigour for a better and brighter future. He stated that Tsukhenyie is a time for giving and a time for blessing, which also signifies the end of a season wherein the village folks prepare themselves for new paddy field work.

MT