KOHIMA: To check the growing cases of forest fires throughout the district, Kohima's Deputy Commissioner, B. Henok Buchem, has issued a stern directive supporting an outright prohibition of jungle and forest burning.
The directive forms part of an extended initiative to contain the fast-rising threat presented by wildfires, which have resulted from willful and negligent activities of initiating fires.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that these blazes have inflicted enormous damage to wildlife habitats, public assets, and posed severe threats to human lives. While wildfires burn uncontrollably, they not only wreak havoc in the environment but also threaten the lives of people residing near forest zones.
Referring to Section 162 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), the DC stated that such activities fall under public nuisances, since they disturb public order and cause an imminent risk to life and property. Therefore, he urged stringent compliance with the ban, which will be enforced strictly throughout the district.
The DC also issued a warning that offenders of the ban would be prosecuted under the provisions of the BNSS, the Nagaland Forest Act, 1968, and the Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland, 1937.
The district administration has also called upon residents and local organizations to be vigilant and stressed the need for community support in averting forest fires.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: