Kohima: Acting on a Nagaland Cabinet directive, a high-level government team conducted a field inspection of the Lokhipahar forest purchased land at Jaboka village under Tizit subdivision in Mon district on April 22 to assess its present status, including boundary conditions, forest cover, and encroachment issues.
The inspection team was led by Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Y. Kikheto Sema, along with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vedpal Singh, Additional PCCF (Territorial) Supongnukshi, and other forest officials.
As per an official update form the state government, the Jaboka purchased land (Lokhipahar), covering approximately 2,138 hectares, was acquired under departmental initiatives in September 1977 for conservation, protection, and ecological restoration. The area forms part of a larger forest landscape characterized by hilly terrain, tropical vegetation, and rich biodiversity.
During the inspection, officials observed that a significant portion of the fertile land has been encroached upon by nearby villages in the Tizit area over the past three decades. Encroachments include plantation activities such as tea cultivation, betel nut, bamboo plantations, and other agricultural uses, leaving only a small fraction of the land under the department’s control.
Sema directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mon, and the Range Officer, Tizit, to undertake a detailed assessment using drones and GPS mapping to determine the exact extent of encroachment. He also requested the Conservator of Forests (Territorial) Aochuba and Additional PCCF Supongnukshi to coordinate with the DFO for immediate follow-up action.
Officials identified inadequate boundary demarcation as a key factor contributing to widespread encroachment. A re-survey of the area and installation of permanent boundary pillars, supported by GPS mapping, were recommended as essential steps to reclaim and safeguard the land and restore the health of the forest ecosystem.
Sema further emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive management plan for effective administration and protection of all government-purchased forest lands in the state.
On their way to Dimapur, the team also visited Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, an important protected area in Nagaland known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscape. Located along the Assam border, the sanctuary holds strategic significance as a key conservation landscape in the region.
Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 24 sq km and is characterized by tropical and subtropical forests. It is particularly known for supporting a large congregation of elephants.
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At the core of the sanctuary lies a dense hollong forest, where limited sunlight filters through the canopy. These trees play an important role in stabilizing soil and supporting diverse wildlife, reflecting the state’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Sema appreciated the officers and staff of the sanctuary for their dedicated protection efforts and noted that its ecological richness offers strong potential for eco-tourism development. He added that strengthening protection measures and enhancing community participation would be crucial for ensuring the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability.
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