IMPHAL, SEPTEMBER 07, 2022 (DIPR): Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Forest and Environment Minister today ordered immediate transfer of Beat Officer and subordinate staffs of Kanglatongbi Forest Beat Office for neglecting duties. Th. Shyamkumar today made a surprise visit to the Kanglatongbi Forest Beat Office under Kangpokpi district and found Forest officials letting off trucks carrying forest products without issuing the transit pass.
Speaking to the mediapersons at the Kanglatongbi Forest Beat Office, Minister Th. Shyamkumar said, he will conduct regular inspection to check whether the department officials in each and every district are properly collecting the Forest royalty. He assured punishment for officials found flouting department rules.
Shyamkumar further said Forest Department plays a major role towards controlling global warming, which is one of the topmost issue faced throughout the world. He termed it unfortunate that some department officials were found flouting rules instead of performing their duties.
During his surprise inspection visit from Kangpokpi to Bishnupur districts, Minister Th. Shyamkumar intercepted a truck, illegally carrying forest product without carrying the transit pass at Sekmai-Khurkhul Road. The truck was seized and later handed over to the authorities concerned. At Kangchup Chingkong Bazar, a truck carrying soil from the Forest area was intercepted. Shyamkumar directed the truck driver to seek permit from the Environment Department.
Heading towards K. Geljang Village, Kangpokpi district, Minister found few trucks which were being filled up with soils dug up from the Forest area. The soil was to be used for building construction at the village. The Minister directed the villagers to seek permit from the Environment Department.
Th. Shyamkumar later inspected the trees at the Maibam Lotpa Ching in Bishnupur district. Speaking to mediapersons at the location, Minister Shyamkumar said that, starting from the month of September, he will check all the trees planted by the Forest Department, NGOs and other organisations during the Vanamohatsava this year in all the districts. Pleased that the department officials at Maibam Lotpa Ching have properly maintained the trees, the Minister said Forest Department aims to nurture and protect trees. (DIPR)