In continuation of the efforts against encroachment on the Government Purchased Lands at Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim in Wokha District, an Anti-encroachment drive was carried out by a joint team consisting of Forest, District Administration and Police on 10th July 2020.

The joint team cleared off more than 10,000 trees from the illegal plantations at the three Government purchased lands consisting of Teak, Khonkon, Betelnut and Yongjak trees apart from bananas from around 50 acres of land. 

The Anti- encroachment Team also dismantled and burnt down around 20 farm huts, destroyed fencings, fishery ponds and illegally paved approach roads by digging trenches.

During the drive one JCB which was engaged and pressed to work, dug trenches over the motorable approach roads, pulled down fences and refilled and closed the fishery bonds.

Earlier in the day, briefing the team at the Merapani, Forest Range Office, Divisional Forest Officer, (DFO) Wokha, Zuthunglo Patton, IFS said that the  purpose of the anti encroachment drive  was to protect Government property by removing encroachment from the Government purchased lands of Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim.

The team also reiterated that illegal activities in and around the same areas would be continuously monitored by concerned authorities to prevent any future encroachment. It further stated that legal actions would henceforth be initiated against anyone found guilty of encroaching on these Government purchased lands in future

The joint team led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Wokha, Superintendent of Police, Wokha, Addl. SP Wokha, SDO(C) Wokha, SDO (C) Bhandari, EAC Bhandari, Asst. Commandant 12 IR Camp Merapani, SDPO Bhandari and others consisted personnel from Forest department, District Administration and Police department to carry out the Anti-encroachment drive.

(APRO Bhandari)