Morung Express News
Kohima | May 23
Even as the state is bracing for a feared COVID-19 outbreak, some are having a field day encroaching on forest land under Merapani Forest Range, Wokha district.
As per a report, a lottery draw was held to allot land for a new village. The people involved, as per a reliable source, are “some well to-do people trying to encroach on government lands big time.”
Land encroachments on government land and properties have been a major concern in the state. There have been instances when the state government has been taken to court by individual staking claim on government land.
A Forest Department official, when contacted, admitted that encroachment of forest land has become a persistent problem. On the rumoured lottery draw, the official said, “We have been hearing things and are not sure if it is just rumours or really true.” She however said that signs of fresh encroachment were observed during spot verification.
“Forest officers are trying to prevent but it keeps happening and the encroachment is just not stopping at all.”
When enquired on the area of encroached land, she responded, “Quite a lot of land has been encroached.”
Shortage of resources and workforce is also not helping matters for the Merapani Forest Range with only five personnel, including the Ranger.
According to her, efforts made by the department in coordination with the district administration over the years, including court directives, have had little or no curtailing effect on the encroachers.
“There is an encroacher who is almost permanent now, but fresh encroachment is going on for the establishment of a village,” she said. While stating that senior officers of the department have been informed, she said that a report has been submitted to the government and a public notice will be issued very soon in this regard.
