Restoring forest for livelihood in Mokokchung

Mokokchung, June 22 (EMN): In an effort to restore forest cover and sustain livelihood of the people in the area, the mill owners of Tuli industrial zone and Forest department have jointly organised an awareness programme at Tuli range office on June 22.

The programme was attended by village council chairmen, secretaries and village council members of the villages surrounding Tuli and Milak industrial zone including Wameken, Merangkong, Kangtsung, Luyong, Chubarongpang, Aopenzu and representatives from all wards union.

It was informed that a total of 10,000 tree saplings of fast and mixed species of Melia, Bogipoma, Titachapa and Khokon were given to the tree farmers. A green belt committee was also formed in the division to safeguard the forest and sustain livelihood during the programme.

Delivering the keynote address, Tuli range officer, Ailong Phom, expressed that Tuli area is one of the most potential areas in the state and blessed with many natural resources coupled with geographical convenience and easy accessibility. Noting that every good blessing comes with huge responsibility, he emphatically stated that using natural resources and conservation should go hand in hand.

Raju Lahoti, president of green belt committee, mentioned that the mill owners association has full confidence with the forest department programmes and initiatives and assured full support in all efforts towards conservation and enhancement of livelihood.

The divisional forest officer, Dr. Sentitula, stated that it should be the responsibility of all the stakeholders to plant more trees to restore and replenish and at the same time sustain livelihood. She stated that the green belt committee formed in the division, in collaboration with the mill owners of the industrial zones, should constantly work towards restoring forest areas and enhancing the livelihood of the people in the area through various activities.

It further informed that the committee was formed to assist the tree farmers in plantation works. The committee would also confer an award to the best farmer basing on the overall performance of the plantation.