Dimapur, Sep. 23 (EMN): With the basic objective of curbing sale of wild birds and animals’ meat near Pherima and along National Highway 29 connecting Dimapur and Kohima, a meeting cum awareness programme for protection of wildlife and curbing of wildlife crimes was held in the conference hall of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Medziphema, with participation of the ADC/ EAC/ DBs and GBs of Medziphema, OC of Police Station, Forest officials and chairmen/ members of the 22 villages under Medziphema sub division.
In her welcome address, Vikhweno Chale, ADC Medziphema and chairperson of the programme, highlighted on the importance of forest and wildlife in our lives. While expressing concern on the deteriorating habitats of wild animals, she and appealed to the participants and the villages to protect wild animals and birds. She also requested the Forest department to help the affected villages in the form of community reserve.
Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden, enlightened the gathering on the various provisions of Wildlife Protection Act and penalty against the defaulters. He also highlighted on the various government notifications, which cautioned that various development funds to the villages indulging in wildlife crime will be stopped. He appealed to the villagers to join hands with the Forest department in protection of wildlife and curbing wildlife crimes.
L Ezung Lotha, Officer in-charge of Medziphema Police Station elaborated on the functioning of wildlife crime unit in police department. He appealed the villagers to co-operate with the government in curbing wildlife crimes. He also informed that no person will be spared if found guilty of wildlife crimes.
Many village representatives, who spoke in the programme, have sought financial assistance for maintaining community conserved areas and for requisite action on the attack by wild animals.
Proposing the vote of thanks, K Caroline Angami, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur division, highlighted on facilities available with the department such as tranquiliser for wild animals and compensation against damage of crops by wild animals. She appealed to the participants to protect wildlife and inform the forest department on sighting any wild animal in human habitations for appropriate action.
Around 70 persons actively participated in the programme.
