National People's Party raises concern over diversion of forest land

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The National People's Party (NPP) leaders of the Mylliem Block presented a memorandum to Forest Minister James K Sangma on Tuesday citing concerns of the people of Mylliem regarding the diversion of forest land to the Air Force.

The memorandum was submitted by the president of NPP Mylliem Block, Gilbert Laloo along with the party secretary. In this regard, James K Sangma said, "As a government, we treat such concerns with utmost importance and have been very clear in our understanding that all such protected forests, which fall under the forest department, are critical catchment areas. Therefore, in terms of land and forest conservation, they are of the greatest environmental importance."

The minister also assured the people of Mylliem and the Upper Shillong area that the government had no intention of diverting any protected forests to the Air Force.

"We value the environment, placing paramount importance on the need to conserve it in every way possible, especially at a time when issues like climate change are likely to become critical threats to us," he said. He also expressed his gratitude to the people and the NPP leaders of Mylliem for being environmentally conscious and bringing such concerns to the notice of the government. "We as a government remain committed to the goals of holding environmental protection and conservation as one of our topmost priorities," he said.

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