Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Labour & Employment Bhupender Yadav assured that the Central government would ensure protection of Article 371(A) of the constitution, a special constitutional provisionwith respect to the State of Nagaland.
He said this during his visit to Jalukie on Thursday to inaugurate the “Public Park cum Botanical Garden’. The minister also held a meeting with Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) at Jalukie.
While informing that the Centre has amended four Acts– The Wildlife Protection Act, The Forest Conservation Act and the Biodiversity Act, he said the purpose of amendment is to give more facilities to the local people.
“Our objective is to provide access to beneficiary rights to the tribal people and those people who have traditional knowledge of their biodiversity and their resources,” he said.
Mentioning about that recent flood in other hilly areas of the country, Yadav said issues like unauthorized and illegal constructions were some of the reasons that has created a burden between man and nature.
Acknowledging that 94 per cent of the forest in Nagaland are owned by the community, he expressed happiness that the people have also ensured the protection of the flora and fauna.
He also urged upon the state forest department and officials to work out ways to preserve, protect and enrich the biodiversity of Nagaland’s forests and wildlife it sustains.
Later taking to X (formerly Twitter), the minister said that he visited Peren district for a tour organised in collaboration with Ministry of DoNER to take stock of the development needs and aspirations of the people of the area.
The minister reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sustainable development of the region. Members of both JFMCs and SHGs shared their experiences on how local communities are gaining economic empowerment through various govt schemes, he stated.
Later, the minister also interacted with the district officials responsible for implementing government schemes. “Heard their concerns and suggestions. Was happy to note that the benefits of welfare schemes are helping make people’s lives better in the region,” he said.
The minister assured the officials of all help to realise the ‘Governance of Saturation’ vision of PM Modi.
Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, C L John, host of forest department officials, district officials and others were also present.
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