Nagaland Assembly to pass resolution against controversial forest bill: CM Rio

Kohima (Uttam Hindu News): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday said that as per the suggestions given by the MLAs and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the consultation meeting held on September 1, the ongoing assembly session passed a resolution against the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2033. Will go. Participating in the discussion on the Forest Bill on the first day of the three-day Assembly session, the Chief Minister said that in the case of Nagaland, the land and its resources belong to the people. Rio, however, also said that if there is a need to acquire land for development or security related matters, If so, along with the state government, the people of Nagaland should also cooperate with the central government.

Rio also noted the importance and need to enact appropriate legislation on compensatory afforestation fund management and planning, as it provides compensation for loss or damage to property while carrying out development. The bill was brought to amend the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 to prevent exploitation of India’s forest reserves and to give the central government the power to provide adequate compensation for any land used for non-forest purposes. Which was introduced in the Lok Sabha in March. After this it was sent to the 32-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) headed by BJP MP Rajendra Aggarwal.

Participating in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, MLA Sukhato said the proposed law should be applied only to government reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which cover about five per cent of the geographical area of ​​the state. He also said that about 95 percent of the forests owned by private individuals and communities should not come under the ambit of the proposed law. MLA Neisato Mero said the proposed law would endanger Naga landowners and disempower them, although protected by Article 371(A).

Once the bill is passed in Parliament, it will be a threat to the Nagas, as they mostly depend on forest products like flora and fauna for livelihood. He said that if the proposed law is implemented, it could affect the economy of the Nagas. MLA Kuzholuzo Neenu said it is important to discuss the issue of the proposed forest law to protect the social, culture and traditions, identity and natural resources for the future generation. “This is a direct threat to our history and this act will cause more damage to the forest instead of preserving it,” he said.