Sano Meru
August 23
Kohima, (MExn): A programme for free distribution of LGP connections and fencing materials to 25 villages of Kohima District by the Forest Development Agency (FDA), Kohima was today held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Zhaleo Rio was the chief guest on the occasion
Zhaleo Rio, while addressing the gathering expressed his gratitude to the Government and the Forest Department for organising such a programme where the villagers could be made aware and conscious of preserving their environment. He said that various sources of renewable energy were now available as compared to yesteryears when wood was used as the primary fuel. This in turn has led to preservation and conservation of forest and natural habitat, he said. He further mentioned that the barbed wires were to be used for the protecting of forests and cattle.
He appealed to the villagers to effectively make use of the LPG cylinders gifted to them. On the other hand, he cautioned the beneficiaries to make full use of the materials provided and not to sell them at the market
Chairman Chedema JFMC, Sosielhu speaking on behalf of the JFMC villages said that with encouragement from the Forest Department and programmes like afforestation, plantation and innovative LPG distribution, a considerable section of forest cover had been conserved and firewood consumption had been minimised. He added that more forests could be preserved if LPG distribution continues.
Member Secretary, FDA, Dr. K. Kire in his welcome address said that the primary aim of the programme was to protect the forests and natural habitats by reaching out to the poorest of the people so as to conserve forests instead of depleting it by using wood as a fuel.
Chairman, FDA, Albert Solo thanked the villagers and participants in the programme. Special mention was made of Kuolachalie, the distributor of the cylinders, whose efforts paved the way for the success of the programme. There were 442 beneficiaries from 25 JFMC.
It may be mentioned that this type of campaign for the awareness through the use of LPG began in the year 2003-2004.
The funds for this free LPG connections and fencing materials (Barbed wire, for protection of trees) is given by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Today, altogether 628 free distributions of LPG connections were distributed.
