Rebia for arms seizure to curb hunting

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, June 24: Expressing his displeasure over wanton destruction of forest, Minister of Environment & Forests Nabam Rebia on Saturday directed the officers of district administration to seize all arms and take legal action against those arm license holders who are found involved in the hunting of wild animals and also those damaging the eco-system.

Noting that there has been mass destruction of forest for jhum cultivation, road construction and other purposes, he said, "we have to think of protecting the flora & fauna and natural vegetation, including wild animals for a balanced ecology."

"With global warming being a matter of great concern for the world leaders at this juncture, we all have to rededicate ourselves with a commitment to save the Mother Nature for our survival. We have to go along with the nature with love otherwise there will be nature's fury bringing adversity for us," Rebia said while addressing a meeting at Sangdupota near here, on the occasion of a mass tree plantation and awareness programme organised by All Bassarnallo Youth Association (ABYA) with support from Banderdewa Forest Division.

Stating that destruction of forest including killing of wild animals and illegal fishing by use of chemicals and generators is a punishable offense, the Minister warned that the people found involving in such unlawful activities will not be spared.

He requested the village elders, gaon burhas and youth leaders to check such activities by creating mass awareness and report to the administration in case of any incidence, an official release informed here today.

Rebia said that around 200 rivers of state have so far been dried up and the people of those areas who were totally dependent on those rivers have to face lot of difficulties.

"Due to disturbance of catchment area even in urban areas there has been acute shortage of water at source. We have to protect these sources of water otherwise we have to face lots of difficulty in near future," he pointed out.