Manipur: Ownership of forest land lies with state government: Union Forest Minister
First Published: 30th April, 2023 19:06 IST
This statement gains significance as it comes in the backdrop of the violent protests that had rocked Churachandpur in Manipur just couple of days back over survey of forest land
Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav today said that the ownership of forest land lies with the state government and that it is the responsibility of the state government to protect the forest areas.
This statement gains significance as it comes in the backdrop of the violent protests that had rocked Churachandpur in Manipur just couple of days back over survey of forest land conducted by the state government and eviction done to protect reserved forest land.
When asked if protection of forest areas was a state subject or Centre’s subject, the Union Minister said that it is the Constitutional responsibility of the state government to do so.
The Union Forest minister said, “The ownership of forest land is always with the state. According to the Forest Act 1927, after Independence the forest was a subject of the state but after amendment in 1976, it was included in the concurrent list, under the Centre and the state. But as far as ownership is concerned, it lies with the state government. To protect the Reserve Forest and Protected Forest and keep it safe, it is the responsibility of the state government, it is a Constitutional responsibility. Accordingly, the state government has to protect the forest.”
Reacting to the Manipur government’s forest land survey and eviction driver, the Union Minister said, “The government is performing its duties as per rules, regulations, law and the Constitution, so whatever Constitutional responsibility has been entrusted on the Manipur government, it is working as per these aspects. The Manipur government is performing its duty with full efficiency to safeguard the environment and the forests.”
The locals of Manipur have been upset about the fact villages inhabited by the tribals or land under private ownership has been wrongly declared as reserved forest area, protected forest area, protected site, and a wildlife sanctuary, among others.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Construction Worker of Guwahati-North Ghy Bridge Injured In Leopard Attack
25th December 2024Live Sikkim Garbage Trucks Seized in Siliguri, Mayor Calls for Bengal Govt Action
25th December 2024Live Railway Contractor Kidnapped and Killed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong
25th December 2024Live Online job postings rose by 20% in 2024, driven by digital adoption and SMB sector growth: report
25th December 2024WE RECOMMEND
Manipur: Security Forces Recover 9 IEDs in Imphal – Churachandpur Road
The operation reflect the continued vigilance of security forces in countering threats and maintaining peace.
25th December 2024Firing Mars Christmas Celebrations in Manipur, Clashes Erupt in Imphal East and Kangpokpi
The attacks, reportedly carried out by armed miscreants from Kangpokpi, targeted Sinam Kom and nearby villages.
25th December 20245 States Get New Governors in Recent Reshuffle, Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed as Manipur Governor
General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, YSM, has been appointed as the new Governor of Mizoram.
24th December 2024Manipur: Job Card Holders Protest in Churachandpur Demanding Release of Pending Wages Before Christmas
The protestors stressed that they are unable to meet even the basic requirements for the upcoming festive season due to the delayed payments.
23rd December 2024Manipur CM Urges Unity Among Communities at IRB Passing Out Parade in Assam
CM N. Biren Singh said the importance of harmony among communities, particularly in the current context of Manipur's challenges.
23rd December 2024