Dimapur, August 10 (MExN): In the light of village councils in Dimapur carrying out orders to cut down teak plantations, the Divisional Forest Office of Dimapur Forest Division has informed the public and teak tree planters in particular that there is no scientific proof that teak is hazardous to human health or the environment. Divisional Forest Officer Kocha Meyase stated that trees are the key factors that maintain the eco-system and protect the environment. He has discouraged felling trees. He also stated that felling planted trees prematurely before attaining the economical harvesting age will have an adverse affect on the economy of Nagaland and particularly for the planters.
The department has requested all concerned individuals and authorities issuing such directives/orders, not to issue such unfounded and false statement and directives/orders till such time the alleged statements are scientifically proved. Further, the office also appealed to the public, authorities concerned and any individual having proof, doubt and suspicion about teak trees having ill effect on health and environment, to come forward for further scientific verification and investigation.
Meyase further spoke to The Morung Express saying the department is carrying out investigations in various corners and has learnt that it is the work of “few vested individuals.” He, however, did not specify who those ‘vested individuals’ were. He said about 70 % of tree plantations in Dimapur is that of teak wood. Although the department has no data on the areas under cultivation, the officer mentioned that it will have far reaching effects in the district. Unlike assumptions that teak is bad for the soil, he clarified that teak is one of the finest wood suitable for Dimapur climate.
A renowned dermatologist in Dimapur also said there are possibilities that some people could be allergic to teak wood; however, it is the case with many other plants which have hairy surfaces.
The dermatologist also pointed out that during his entire practice, he has not come across any person who has been treated for allergic due to teak plant. “A lot of research is needed to establish this fact,” he said.
Despite such medical assurances, some people are supporting the fact that teak is bad for human health. A press release from one Elias Lotha stated in support of the claims: “I am totally in support of the popular opinion of the common man that teak plantations in inhabited areas should be removed without economic or concern for forest cover.” He claimed that the plant is “foreign to our land and many physicians have pinpointed its ill effects on health as the common cause of Asthma and Skin Disease”; adding that the “Forest Department deals with botany” and “have nothing to do with its ill effects on the biological system of the human body.”
It may be noted that several villages in and around Dimapur are doing away with plantation citing health and environment hazards. Villagers claim that the trees are causing health problems, and that the wood is making the soil dry and arid. It is learnt that a similar rush to cut down trees had emerged a few years back and the forest department had to take measures to stop felling of teak trees. Already several villages have cut down their teak plantations and are planning to convert the area into farmland.
The department has requested all concerned individuals and authorities issuing such directives/orders, not to issue such unfounded and false statement and directives/orders till such time the alleged statements are scientifically proved. Further, the office also appealed to the public, authorities concerned and any individual having proof, doubt and suspicion about teak trees having ill effect on health and environment, to come forward for further scientific verification and investigation.
Meyase further spoke to The Morung Express saying the department is carrying out investigations in various corners and has learnt that it is the work of “few vested individuals.” He, however, did not specify who those ‘vested individuals’ were. He said about 70 % of tree plantations in Dimapur is that of teak wood. Although the department has no data on the areas under cultivation, the officer mentioned that it will have far reaching effects in the district. Unlike assumptions that teak is bad for the soil, he clarified that teak is one of the finest wood suitable for Dimapur climate.
A renowned dermatologist in Dimapur also said there are possibilities that some people could be allergic to teak wood; however, it is the case with many other plants which have hairy surfaces.
The dermatologist also pointed out that during his entire practice, he has not come across any person who has been treated for allergic due to teak plant. “A lot of research is needed to establish this fact,” he said.
Despite such medical assurances, some people are supporting the fact that teak is bad for human health. A press release from one Elias Lotha stated in support of the claims: “I am totally in support of the popular opinion of the common man that teak plantations in inhabited areas should be removed without economic or concern for forest cover.” He claimed that the plant is “foreign to our land and many physicians have pinpointed its ill effects on health as the common cause of Asthma and Skin Disease”; adding that the “Forest Department deals with botany” and “have nothing to do with its ill effects on the biological system of the human body.”
It may be noted that several villages in and around Dimapur are doing away with plantation citing health and environment hazards. Villagers claim that the trees are causing health problems, and that the wood is making the soil dry and arid. It is learnt that a similar rush to cut down trees had emerged a few years back and the forest department had to take measures to stop felling of teak trees. Already several villages have cut down their teak plantations and are planning to convert the area into farmland.
