Forest minister vows to deliver services to people

Kohima, April 13 (EMN): Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Imkong L Imchen, vowed loyalty and allegiance to the forest personnel in order to deliver services to the people of the State.
Speaking at the interactive meeting with the forest department officials at the conference room of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force this morning, Imchen suggested the forest personnel to work on hourly basis routine with the objective to achieve its desired goals.
He also emphasised on the need to formulate new initiatives and laws to regulate jhum cultivation to combat climate change and endeavour towards conservation and preservation of the forests.
While assuring his support and cooperation, Imchen urged the officials to keep the rule of law intact and to avoid miscommunication between them adding that his door is always open for constructive suggestions and opinions.
The officials were also asked to sincerely implement and upheld the rule of law across the State. At the same time, he cautioned not to hesitate taking action against dereliction of duty by anyone.
‘Let us be guided by conscience so that we will be able to fulfil the goals and objectives of the department and thereby fulfilling the desires of the people,’ said Imchen.
Principal Chief Conservation of Forest and Head of Forest Force, I Panger Jamir expressed confidence that with the experience and seasoned politician the department will be taken forward to greater height.
Jamir said forest department has great role to play for mitigation of global warming issue, livelihood, food security and society development. He urged the department staff to introspect with their work and work hard with sincerity. He advised the department officers not to keep their work pending.
Meanwhile, Additional PCCF, Dharmendra Prakash informed the house that an MoU has been signed with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on March 31, which aimed at improving the forest eco-system and promote rural income generation through rehabilitation of jhum areas.
The project with an overall cost of Rs 533 crore will be implemented over a period of 10 years. He informed that under this project, 185 villages will be covered involving 555 Self Help Groups (SHGs).