The Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), in collaboration with Ntangki National Park, Peren Forest Division and Mt. Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum, Peren, observed World Environment Day under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” at Beisumpuikam Village, Peren, on 5th June 2026.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Deputy CM and Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang said that Beisumpuikam Village occupies a unique place in Nagaland’s conservation history due to its close association with Ntangki National Park, the only national park in the State. Referring to the World Environment Day theme, he stated that conservation extends beyond the protection of forests and wildlife and includes securing sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for future generations.
Describing Ntangki National Park as one of State greatest natural assets, he highlighted its economic potential and observed that, with effective conservation measures and improved connectivity, particularly road infrastructure, the park could emerge as a major eco-tourism destination. He said such development would create employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to community development.
Zeliang stressed that conservation efforts cannot depend solely on the Government and called upon the Beisumpuikam Village Council and village youth organizations to adopt strong resolutions against illegal logging, hunting and destructive fishing practices. He noted that community-led initiatives remain among the most effective means of protecting biodiversity.
He further stated that the ecological significance of Ntangki National Park extends beyond its notified boundaries and referred to the adjoining Dhansiri Forest across the Temaki River, which continues downstream as the Dhansiri River in Assam. He said these interconnected ecosystems form an important ecological landscape and that their protection would strengthen wildlife habitats and support long-term conservation goals.
Commending local conservation efforts, Zeliang cited the example of Puilwa Village, where the community has successfully protected forests and rivers through collective responsibility and community ownership. He encouraged other villages in Peren district to emulate such initiatives to sustain the district’s reputation as the “Green District of Nagaland”.
On issues relating to land and jurisdiction, he underscored the importance of resolving such matters proactively and urged stakeholders to work towards proper demarcation of the boundary between Beisumpuikam Village and the Forest Department to strengthen cooperation and facilitate effective management of conservation areas.
Calling upon all stakeholders to reaffirm their collective responsibility towards preserving the forests and natural heritage of Peren district, Zeliang congratulated the organizers, village leaders and stakeholders for their continued commitment to environmental protection and conservation.
Speaking as the guest of honour, DC Peren, Hiazu Meru highlighted the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and informed that Peren district ranked 34th among 121 districts in the North East region in the latest SDG India Index rankings. He said Nagaland is performing well in Goal 5 (Gender Equality), while Peren district is performing well in Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through indicators such as rural population using improved water sources, rural piped water supply within premises, toilet construction under SBM (G), schools with functional girls’ toilets, villages declared ODF and groundwater extraction management.
Expressing concern over illegal logging, Meru stated that Forest Department data indicated a reduction of 8.4 square kilometres of forest cover in Peren district. He also referred to environmental concerns raised by organizations, including declining water tables, reduced water flow in the Mongleu River and the adverse effects of logging and riverbed mining.
Appreciating the anti-logging initiatives undertaken by NZPO, he urged village councils and the public to strictly enforce the Nagaland Tree Felling Regulations, 2002. He explained the procedures required for harvesting trees in non-forest areas, including obtaining prescribed forms from the Divisional Forest Officer, securing No Objection Certificates from village councils countersigned by administrative officers and obtaining Transit Permits to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
Meru further pointed out that overloaded logging vehicles were causing damage to National Highways, town roads and PMGSY roads by exceeding prescribed load capacities. He also expressed concern over reports of logging within Ntangki National Park and informed that the proceedings of the programme would be forwarded to the Director of Ntangki National Park for necessary monitoring and enforcement measures.
Supporting public representations seeking the functioning of the Office of the Director, Ntangki National Park, from Peren district, he proposed its inclusion in the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Peren.
The Deputy Commissioner lauded Beisumpuikam Village for its adoption as a Model Village under the DPDB and commended its progressive initiatives, including the enforcement of strict animal control regulations. He also announced that a pilot project under the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM), a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), would be launched jointly in Beisumpuikam and Jalukiekam on June 11th, 2026. The project aims to replace old irrigation canals with underground pressurised piped networks, after which irrigation management will be transferred to local Water User Societies to improve water-use efficiency.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NZPO, President, Zandi Domta. The keynote address was delivered by Director, Ntangki National Park, Peren, Samom Khelen Singh, IFS, while the President of Mt. Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum also addressed the gathering. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Zeme Council, President, Ernest Sephe.
(Mamang, IA, Peren)
