Violators to face fines up to Rs 30,000; 50% reward for informers
The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and public welfare by announcing a series of prohibitions and penalties to be enforced across Phek District, Nagaland, in alignment with the standing resolutions of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO).
In its notification for the 2024–2026 period, CYF declared a blanket ban on a range of activities detrimental to biodiversity, traditional resource use, and community well-being. It warned that violators will face stringent fines and penalties, with some actions leading to confiscation of goods or equipment.
The CYF warned that “indiscriminate burning of jungle is strictly prohibited,” with defaulters facing a fine of Rs 30,000, which may increase “depending on the extent of devastation.”
In addition, the “collection and extraction of medicinal plants for commercial purposes is banned.” Offenders will be fined Rs 20,000 and the seized goods confiscated.
Reinforcing its environmental stewardship, the CYF stated that “hunting of any form is strictly banned throughout the year.” Activities such as “capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping or baiting of birds or wild animals” are restricted.
Penalties include Rs 10,000 for individuals and Rs 30,000 for groups of more than three persons. Furthermore, any person found carrying “weapons, explosives, firearms, poison, snares, traps or any apparatus which are capable of killing, injuring, decoying, or even anesthetizing birds or wild animals” will be penalised. “Any person found selling or buying any hunted wild animals or birds shall be penalised with a fine of Rs 15,000,” the notification said.
The use of airguns is now fully banned. Referring to a resolution adopted at the CPO general session on January 23, 2024, at Chizami village, CYF said, “Anyone found with an airgun for any reason shall pay a fine as mentioned in point 3, and their airgun shall be confiscated.”
The notification also targets harmful fishing practices, stating that the “use of battery, generator, chemicals, etc. for fishing is strictly prohibited.” Defaulters will be fined Rs 10,000 or more, depending on the damage caused. “Such equipment/apparatus shall be seized,” the CYF added.
In a constructive note, the organization encouraged community-driven groundwater conservation, saying, “Groundwater recharge such as springs and other water sources to address water scarcity issues is encouraged.” However, “borewell construction should be community-oriented rather than privately owned and approval is required from the CPO.”
The CYF also imposed strict regulations on pig imports. “Import of vaccinated piglets weighing below 30 kgs for rearing only shall be allowed to interested persons or party,” but they must produce a “health certificate from the concerned Veterinary Department.”
Pigs exceeding the weight limit are “strictly restricted,” and defaulters will face a fine of Rs 30,000 “irrespective of quantity.” The pigs must be “evacuated from Chakhesang jurisdiction within 24 hours. Failing which, they will be seized by the concerned authority.” Additionally, “a sum of Rs 15,000 shall be penalised to the vehicle owner for illegal transportation.”
In a move to strengthen community vigilance, the CYF said, “50% of the amount collected shall be awarded to the informer.” Confidentiality of informers will be “strictly maintained.”
The organization urged its grassroots networks to take the lead: “The concerned affiliated Village/Town/Area Youth Presidents are requested to properly disseminate this notification, and to strictly enforce them in their respective jurisdictions.”
Two dedicated cells have been constituted for implementation:
· Biodiversity Cell, headed by Nüveta Khusoh (Vice President), along with Tavikho Krome, Lhouwe Lomi, Vekreku Getsa, Khrolhiweu Tsühah, and Veo Vero.
· Pig Import Ban & Promotional Cell, led by Vetho Vadeo (Vice President), assisted by Kukhosa Rhakho, Vehuta Puro, Wekulhi Mero, Zhopokhoyi Chuzho, and Vedukho Shijo.
The CYF “earnestly request the support of the public in successfully implementing the resolutions of CPO,” stating that these rules are in place to protect both the environment and the well-being of the Chakhesang people.
