CNPO president Rd David Boyes on Wednesday said that village chiefs need to take pivotal roles to usher in progress and ensure economic efficiency in the state.
He was speaking at the one-day environmental awareness programme on ‘The role of Community in Conservation of Forest and Wildlife’ at Japhou Bazar Indoor Stadium in Chandel district organised by the Chandel Forest Division.
Additional deputy commissioner, Chandel Md Firoz Khan; DFO/Chandel Pritam Kshetri and Naga Chief Association president TS Ruwngvar Anal were among those who attended the programme.
Taking part in the event, ACF/Chandel, N Munal Meitei highlighted the importance of the environment and said that it cannot be side-lined even during times of conflict. He said that efforts of hill residents are much needed to protect and save the forests of the State and environmental surroundings.
Wildfire is the major cause of depletion of forests, he said and mooted that if the prevailing conflict had erupted in the dry season in January/March, the forest areas would have been impacted by wildfires. He further sought support from the village chiefs of Chandel to save the forests and wildlife in the state.
Around 300 individuals including village chiefs, students of Kongingam School and locals took part in the event.
