Peren, June 6 (MExN): In what could be the first in the State, Old Jalukie Village in Peren District has its entire household connected with LPG cooking set. This is the outcome of incentive programme to villages for conserving their village community forests supported by Forest Department.
The “supply of LPG connection to all household” programme was held in Old Jalukie Community Hall organised by Peren Forest Division on June 16 at 9:00 AM with Khrieno C Metha DC Peren as the chief guest. The meeting was also attended by Iherie Ndang SP Peren, Imsongmeren SDO (C) Jalukie and Namheu Khate SDO (Power) besides Forest Officials and many other local leaders and elders. Speaking on the occasion, the officers present were all appreciative of the efforts by the village and hoped that other villages also take such steps in conserving the forests.
The community reserve was declared by a general council resolution under the authority and guardianship of Jalukie Plumling Nko (JPN) during 1986. The resolution imposed ban on Jhum cultivation, green felling, forest fire hunting and trapping of wildlife and regulated extraction of non timber forest produce including stone quarrying. The Forest Department recognised the efforts of the villagers and entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Old Jalukie village today to facilitate conservation of the 208 Ha Community Forest having a buffer zone of another 100 Ha. The MOU was signed by Chairman Jalukie Pumlimg Kedipeung, Village Chairman Old Jalukie, Hainkieng, JFMC President Hiatei and party representing the village and Samuel Changkija IFS DFO Peren and Rampaukai Range Officer Jalukie representing the Forest Department witnessed by Khreino Metha DC Peren and Imsongmeren SDO (C) Jalukie representing Peren District Administration. With this MOU the two parties agreed to work jointly as partners in conserving our scarce resource.
“Such good partnership and joint action between the Government and the local communities is the need of the hour. This is a very significant step in the light of the present scenario of climate change largely attributed to anthropogenic activities resulting from irresponsible lifestyle, wide socio-economic divide and non-inclusive decision making,” stated a press note issued by Samuel Changkija IFS DFO Peren.
Demarcation and survey of the conserved area has been done and scientific management plan is being jointly prepared by the Forest Department and the Village for its proper management keeping in view the local conditions and needs. The Village has engaged local youth to patrol the area and control illegal activities by paying a monthly allowance of Rs.2000 resulting in action taken against three incidences of offence within this month.
The Village with 37 households has been supplied one set of LPG Connection with two cylinders each. The LPG Connection supplied by the Forest department is a part of the incentive to joint partners of conservation by providing alternative cooking energy source to firewood. It is believed that destruction of forests for firewood will reduce. The refilling arrangement at the village is also made with the suppliers M/S Khate Gas Agency Jalukie so that the villagers do not have to go down to Jalukie Town for re-fill.
Other activities like, providing alternative livelihood options, income generating activities, awareness creation and promoting the scope of eco-tourism in the area are also proposed to be taken up.
