Forest dept. constructs watch tower at Kigwema village

[caption id="attachment_195885" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Officers of the Forest department along with the district forest officer of Kohima, and village functionaries seen here during their visit to a watch tower in Kigwema village in Kohima district.[/caption] Dimapur, July 18 (EMN): With the objective to protect wildlife and for aesthetic utility, a watch tower and forest viewpoint were constructed at two separate locations along the way to Shurho peak by Kigwema village community and sponsored by forest department. . In a routine inspection, DFO Kohima division, Rongsenlemla Imchen, has appreciated the efforts of the community with regard to conservation of forest and wildlife. She stated that the main objectives of the watch towers were mainly for protection of wildlife and aesthetic utility. The department thanked the Kigwema biodiversity and wildlife management committee, village council, youth organisation, women organisation, and the churches for their collaborative responsibility in the community conservation effort. A press release issued by the Kigwema youth organisation stated that one could get a glimpse of around 60% of Kigwema community forest including areas near Shurho Peak and Mt. Japfu, which is home to the tallest rhododendrons in the world and the very rare bird Blyth’s Tragopan from both the watch towers. Besides, at least 15 villages are visible from the towers. The youth president, Vibelie Sale, thanked the department for the initiative and also for raising environmental awareness in the village. He affirmed that the community would give all its effort to protect and preserve the environment. The DFO, Kohima division, along with the staff, members from Kigwema youth organisation and village functionaries took part in the trekking cum inspection programme.