Morung Express News
Kiphire | October 25
Unveiling the foundation stone of Forest Office Complex in Kiphire, which is funded under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change CM Chang stated that JICA project if implemented with sincerity, within 10 years times Kiphire will be a different place in terms of development and sustainability. The ceremony was held on October 25.
Touching on the issue of land problem faced by various departments in carrying out developmental activities due of the “habit of landowners who after donating land to the government continues to make demands,” the Minister remarked that in Nagaland “land ownership is the biggest hurdle in the way of development.”
“Once compensation is given, the land belongs to the government, if the issue of land ownership is not solved at the earliest, this will go on for generation, for how long are we going to remain backward,” he stated.
Urging the people to extend help and cooperation towards the government, the Minister asserted that development can only take place when there is support from every quarter.
Also speaking at the event, Minister for Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining V. Kashiho Sangtam, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Kiphire towards the Forest department for choosing Kiphire to be the first district in implementing JICA project.
Maintaining that after the formation of PDA Government, Kiphire is witnessing gradual development, Kashiho commented, “for development to take place people also need to be responsible and join hand with the government rather then create hurdles especially in land issue.” He also added, “If you don't give land, how can we bring development.”
Stating that many developmental projects are in the pipeline for the development of Kiphire, he called on the gathering to extend cooperation towards the government.
Giving a brief highlight about JICA Project Meyipokyim Aier, IFS (Retd), Project Director, (A, F&P) NFMP informed that under the project 185 Villages covering all 11 districts will be covered. He further stated that under JICA project in Kiphire seven building will be constructed.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Rajest Kumar, IFS, DFO Kiphire and short speech delivered by Dharmendra Prakash, IFS, APCCF (D&P) & Chief Project Director, NFMP. Representative from batch 1 Village selected from Kiphire District also spoke on the occasion.
