In a call for sustainable change rooted in both environmental and cultural values, the President of the Seyochung Village Students’ Union, Longtili C Sangtam, has urged the Seyochung Village Mithun (Gayal) Committee to replace traditional wooden fences with “living fences” made of trees and shrubs.
The meeting focused on traditional mithun grazing practices and the ecological impact of fencing methods used in the community.
Speaking at the meeting, Sangtam appealed to the Committee to consider alternatives to tree-cutting for fencing purposes. “Instead of cutting down trees to construct wooden fences, let us embrace the practice of growing living fences—planting trees and shrubs that will not only serve as natural boundaries but also restore greenery, prevent soil erosion, and preserve our precious forest cover,” he said.
He highlighted the broader environmental challenges facing rural communities, including climate change and deforestation, and stressed that small changes in traditional practices can have meaningful conservation outcomes. “By choosing to grow rather than cut, we honour both our land and our legacy. May our collective efforts reflect our love for nature and our responsibility to future generations,” Sangtam added.
The Seyochung Village Mithun Committee, known for its guardianship of the indigenous mithun species, plays a vital role in local livestock practices.
Sangtam concluded by expressing hope that the community’s collective efforts would reflect its deep connection to nature and its responsibility to future generations.