DIMAPUR, MARCH 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) and all its affiliated units in different districts have written to the Director General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change opposing the Nagaland Government’s decision to “ban direct sale of timber.”
In its letter, the NTTU stated that tree farmers and timber traders in the State face an “uncertain fate” in the wake of the Nagaland state government’s decision to impose complete ban on sale of timber outside the state other than finished products.
The Nagaland state cabinet in a recent meeting decided that timber originating from Nagaland and sold outside the state would be only in the form of finished products like furniture and that there would be complete ban on direct sale of timber in any other form such as small size takta, batam etc.
“This is in direct contravention to Article 371 (A) as well as Naga customary way of life. It is pertinent to note that in Nagaland, except for some few reserved forests, the government has no control or jurisdiction over forest land and it is rather the community and villages which possess ownership of forest land and natural resources,” the NTTU pointed out.
“Timber farmers are also selling timber produced and planted in their own land with great difficulty as many don’t have any other option to utilize their land but to engage in tree plantation.”
The state cabinet’s decision is therefore an infringement of Articles 19 (1) (g) and 21 as well as a negation of ‘Right to livelihood’ as espoused by the Supreme Court, the NTTU said.
“Also the sudden decision to ban sale of timber in any other form except finished products without providing any viable or alternative source of income generation, will have severe economic impact on hundreds of tree farmers/timber traders and their families,” it added.
The union informed that as of date, the timber traders and farmers have adhered to the guidelines and norms laid down by the Ministry. “We have also undertaken tree plantation drives in timber districts keeping in view the need to maintain ecological balance,” it stated.
The NTTU urged the Ministry to “empathize with our genuine concern and initiate steps to mitigate our plight.” It further hoped that “not only will we be allowed to continue our trade but that the Ministry will open new avenues for welfare of timber traders and tree farmers.”
