Forest officials along with the inspection team.
Kohima, April 23 (MExN): A government inspection team has reported large-scale encroachment at the Lokhipahar forest purchased land in Jaboka village under Tizit sub-division, Mon district, a field inspection conducted on April 22 following a Cabinet directive.
The inspection team, led by Y Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, along with Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Supongnukshi, Additional PCCF (Territorial), and other forest officials, assessed the present status of the land, including its boundaries, forest cover and management concerns.
According to a report from the DIPR, a major portion of the approximately 2,138-hectare government-purchased land has been encroached upon by surrounding villages in Tizit for more than 30 years.
The encroached areas are reportedly being used for plantation activities, including tea, betel nut and bamboo cultivation, leaving only a fraction of the land under the control of the Forest Department.
The team identified inadequate demarcation of boundaries as a key factor contributing to the extent of encroachment. The absence of clear and permanent boundary markers has allowed gradual occupation and use of the land over decades.
Kikheto directed the Divisional Forest Officer, Mon and the Range Officer, Tizit to undertake a detailed assessment using drones and GPS mapping to establish the factual position on the ground. He also asked CF (Territorial) Aochuba and Additional PCCF Supongnukshi to coordinate with the DFO Mon for immediate follow-up action.
The release stressed the need for a comprehensive re-survey of the entire area and installation of permanent boundary pillars, supported by GPS mapping, to reclaim and safeguard the land from further encroachment. It added that such measures are necessary not only for protection of government land but also for restoring the ecological health of the forest.
"It is imperative to develop a comprehensive management plan for effective administration of all the government-purchased lands in the State," Kikheto said.
The Lokhipahar land, acquired under departmental initiatives since September 1977, was intended for conservation, protection and ecological restoration. It forms part of a larger forest landscape characterised by hilly terrain, tropical vegetation and biodiversity.
On their return journey, the team also visited Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area along the Assam border covering about 24 sq km. The sanctuary, known for its tropical and subtropical forests, supports diverse wildlife and is particularly noted for a large congregation of elephants.
The team observed dense hollong forests within the sanctuary, where limited sunlight reaches the forest floor, supporting a range of flora and fauna.
Kikheto appreciated the officers and staff of the sanctuary for their protection efforts. "Its rich biodiversity and ecological significance offer strong potential for eco-tourism," he said, adding that strengthening protection measures and involving local communities would be key to ensuring its long-term sustainability.
