STATE EMPLOYEE CAUGHT; DEADLINE ISSUED TO FOREST ENCROACHERS

An employee of the State Electricity Department employee was caught red- handed trying to carry logs of pinewood at the Langol Reserve Forest area near Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroisemba by the Forests Department officials.

Forests and Environment Minister Shri Th. Shyamkumar addressing media persons, said that, the man who is employed as a lineman in the State Electricity Department was caught today at around 5.30 am. He said necessary legal action will be taken up against the person. He said that, the man had cut down pinewood trees into pieces and had stored it at the Power House located in the area. The man was caught red-handed by the officials while he was trying to carry one of the tree log in his bicycle today, the Minister informed.

Minister Shri Shyamkumar further appealed to the public to come forward and collectively protect the trees. He also said the challenges due to the ecological imbalance is a serious issue and we all need to come together to solve the problem. He further asked all illegal encroachers in the forest reserve areas in the State, including the Langol Reserve Forest, to vacate within one month to avoid legal action. (DIPR)