Minister for excise, forest, environment, ecology and wildlife, M. C Konyak tabled the Nagaland Biological Diversity Rules (NBDR) 2012 during the recently concluded assembly after resolving to adopt ‘Biodiversity Act’ for application in the state on Nagaland with effect from the date of passing the resolution, i.e September 21.
Under the rule of establishment of state biodiversity board, the rule says the state biodiversity board shall be an autonomous body to look after the administrative and financial matters aided by the central and the state government and carrying out its technical and scientific functions under the Act and in conformity with customs and traditions.
The rule also states that the board shall consist of 12 members including chairperson, five ex-officio members, five non-official members and one member secretary appointed by the state government while the head office of the board shall be at the state capital or any other place which the state government so decides and the board shall have its own secretariat facilitated and supported by state government.
With regard to the appointment of the ex-officio members, the rule added that five ex-officio members shall be appointed from agriculture and allied, forest and environment and other related departments of the state government as long as they hold their respective office that may include agricultural production commissioner, principal chief conservator of the forest, secretary, department of tourism, secretary, department of science and technology and secretary, department of women development.
Settlement of disputes and appeal arising within the village limit or between two village shall be done in accordance with customary laws and usages and accepted canons of justice established in Nagaland and the law in this respect as enforced in Nagaland and that any aggrieved person may prefer an appeal to the board who shall then adjudicate the matter and in accordance with section 2 of the Act.