Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s message on the ‘interdependence of man and nature’ needs to be given due attention bearing in mind the responsibility of man to preserve nature and his environment. In this backdrop, any policy decision, especially those related to utilization of natural resources, will have to be made to go through a stringent process of environment impact assessment. But it remains to be seen as to how far this message from the Chief Minister will be put into practical action given the impromptu decisions taken by politicians and bureaucrats to scale up development activities on purely commercial lines. While it is a noteworthy achievement that Nagaland has forest cover of 82.09%, which is much higher than the national average, it should be of equal concern now for everyone that with increasing population and the need for open spaces and commercial prospects, there has been a slow dwindling of forest cover especially as witnessed in the Kohima and Dimapur hinterlands.
Encouraging the free distribution of LPG is only a small measure towards saving forest land. It is equally doubtful as to how the funds allocated for this purpose will be finally utilized by the politicians. As reported the Central Government had agreed to grant Rupees 5 crores per year for a period of 5 years for maintenance and preservation of our forest cover and bio-diversity, towards which free distribution of LPG is also being funded. As per media reports, the forest department will be the nodal agency to provide free commercial LPG connections to all recognized villages of the state in a phased manner of which the 1st Phase covering Zunheboto has been completed with distribution of 300 domestic and 200 commercial connections to all recognized villages. While this will no doubt help in creating more awareness among people in finding alternative energy and thereby help preserve Mother Nature, the moot point is whether the State government will be able to make good use of the money provided by Delhi towards its stated objective.
The recommendation of the Twelfth Finance Commission (TFC) agreeing to give Rs 25 crores over the next five years is no doubt welcomed. But better ways must be incorporated to ensure the equitable distribution of whatever resources is made available. Otherwise it may just be another scope for the wily politicians to misuse such funds for their vested interests. The decision as reported in the media, to provide free domestic LPG connections to all MLAs of the state, for further distribution amongst needy villagers in their respective constituency may not be the best way to ensure either equity or even equal opportunity. By giving them another handle of discretionary powers, politicians will continue to rule the roost. Concerned citizens and NGOs should be prepared to act as a watchdog and ensure proper utilization of funds as the disposal of State. The Right to Information Act should provide the added impetus for the public to demand transparency and accountability of their elected representatives.
