Asks village councils to amend resolutions disallowing teak plantations
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Forest Department has informed village councils that there is no scientific finding that Teak plantations pose adverse effect or direct health hazards to human health.
This notice was issued by the DFO, Dimapur Forest Division, Beizo Suokhrie, IFS, after noting that there is misconception that Teak (Tectona grandis) tree plantation in village area and homestead farms are hazardous to human beings and several Village Councils are coming up with a resolution not to allow plantation/standing of Teak Trees in the roadsides or village areas.
The department informed that teak trees have more health benefits for humans and economic growth for the farmers than it does harm. Teak is also one of the world’s most valuable timbers and its plantation is an economically viable option, it added.
“There are thousands of scientific research papers and article publications on different aspect of teak plantation that can be found. However, so far, there is no such scientifically proven findings that teak plantation pose adverse effect or direct health hazards to human health,” the department informed.
It therefore asked all authorities concerned to take note of this misconception that Teak plantation pose health hazards and make necessary amendments in their legislation.
