Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker Er. Levi Rengma and others during the formal release of Sambar deer to forest department on February 10. (Morung Photo)
In a welcome move, the Sendenyu Village Community Biodiversity Conservation (SVCBC) on Monday presented a baby Sambar deer to forest, environment & wild life department as part of its goodwill contribution to the department.
SVCBC chairman Gwasinlo Thong handed over the same to DFO Kohima Division Sidramappa, IFS, in the presence of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker Er. Levi Rengma, Rengma Hoho president Sawathang Kez Seb, Kohima DRDA project director Chandeno and several others.
To protect and preserve the rich fauna and flora of the area which is fast disappearing due to uncontrolled hunting, logging, jhum cultivation etc, initially, the village community introduced various conservation measures such as ban on hunting during breeding season, adopting more eco-friendly activities etc.
Dr. Gwalozu Thong stated that in 2001, a contiguous area of about 12 sq.km of village land was demarcated and declared as Wild Protected Area vide Sendenyu Village Council Wildlife Protection Act 2001, which was re-designated as Sendenyu Village Community Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation area.
Here, hunting, trapping, fishing, collection of forest produces, cultivation, and plantation in any form are strictly prohibited.
Under the Act, a committee, consisting chairman, secretary, treasurer and advisors were formed. In addition, chairman, Sendenyu Village Council and all council members, village council chairmen and members of New Sendenyu and Thongsünyu villages, office bearers of Sendenyu Youth Organization, Village Development Board (VDB) of Sendenyu, women VDB of Sendenyu are the ex-officio members of the committee.
The committee enforces protection of the conservation area and other developmental activities.
As part of conservation and preservation of traditional herbal and medicinal knowledge, the village women healing and prayer fellowship maintains a herbal medicine garden at the conservation area.
Through the initiative of the committee, collection of medicinal plants for commercial purpose, use of chemicals for fishing, use of chemicals herbicides for agriculture purpose in Sendenyu land are banned.
All decisions and rules framed for conservation are resolved and passed in general public meeting of the village which ultimately becomes the law of the land, Gwasinlo Thong said.
SVCBC chairman stated that this is the second time they gifted wildlife to forest, environment & wildlife department and hoped that they will take care of the same. He said the gift was part of contribution from the conservation centre to the department.
Receiving baby Sambar deer on behalf of the department, DFO Kohima expressed his happiness and assured that the Sambar deer they received will be taken care at the zoological park.
