In his maiden interaction with the Department’s officers led by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest I Panger Jamir after taking over the charge on July 27 last, Kronu said “we need to have a clear concept to protest, preserve and conserve the forest cover”.

He also stressed on the need of framing proper plans and policies in order to protect the forests from encroachers.

“Roads and power sectors are very important aspects of development and progress, but forest is directly connected with human survival and therefore concerted efforts need to be made to conserve and protect our forest,” Kronu said.

Stating that externally aided programme and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) would boost the conservation initiatives of the Department, the Minister said “successful implementation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded Rs 533 crore covering 79,000 hectares of land in 185 villages throughout the state for mitigation of jhum cultivation would be major of boost to the forest cover of the State”.

“Nagaland though small a state is rich in biodiversity than many other states in the mainland, and we should convert it into our strength in making ourselves known to the world,” the Minister said.

The Minister also challenged the departmental officials to check felling of tree, logging and illegal mills while also calling upon them to make efforts in protecting and conservation of wildlife.

Pointing that Intanki is the only national wildlife park of the State in Peren district, Kronu expressed serious concern in its protection.

He also requested the Department to prepare the concept note for Wokha Wildlife Sanctuary to be forwarded to the Union Ministry for consideration. Responding to the requirement of Forest Divisions of the different districts, the Minister asserted that urgent requirements would be taken up while the gap would be filled through JICA project.

Maintaining that his ministership would be barely for few months, Kronu said he is concerned for the department and assured all possible support to the department while also seeking their cooperation in taking the department forward.

Principal Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change L. Kire led the interaction wherein officials from all the district divisions made power point presentation on the activities they are carrying out and also the requirements.