Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John inaugurated the new Forest Beat Office, at Chen Town, under Mon Forest Division in the presence of Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS and other department officials on April 21.

In his inaugural speech, CL John shared his gratitude to the Government of Nagaland and the department of Environment, Forests & Climate change for fulfilling a long cherished dream of the people. Earlier, the rough terrain of the area makes it difficult for locals to reach out their grievances to the nearest Forest office, however, with the new establishment of Forest Beat Office, it will now function as a quick responder and usher in a new era of building a sustainable environment that will prevent, protect and control the illegal activities in the area, he added.

The Minister requested the Anghs, village councils and elders of the area to inform the people in their respective jurisdiction about the conservation of forest and wildlife species as it can be achieved only through community participation.

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Briefing the developmental activities in the area, particularly on the road infrastructure, John lamented that old black topping roads were continuously worn out by torrential rain. However, he said, phases of the black-topping works are ongoing.

He also informed that Chenloishu and Wangti villages have been approved for a Vibrant Village programme.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, in his speech, highlighted that Chen area has 14 villages, with a large portion of forest covers. The new Forest Beat office will serve as a centre of protection and control for environmental protection and wildlife species.

There are 17 Forest Beat Offices across Nagaland of which Mon Forest Division now has three Forest Beat Offices, one located in Aboi, Longching and Chen. He therefore, requested the locals of the area to protect birds, animals and plant species as these are essential for a sustainable life.

Acknowledging the cultural bond sharing beyond international borders, Sema said, Chen area should set examples of protecting and conservation of biodiversity as it also shared large forest areas with the brothers living beyond international borders.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, IFS, in his opening remarks lauded the government and the concerned Minister for having keen interest in preserving and conserving forest, and said the new Forest Beat Office will act as a local forest administrative unit in the area.

Earlier, the inauguration programme was chaired by Tokugha Chophy, SFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mon, while vote of thanks was pronounced by Forest Range Officer, Tongkem Konyak.

The official delegation later visited Stone Park below Chen Town, built with a mixture of Konyak traditional art and modern architecture.