Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 12 2022: Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has written to government authorities including Imphal West Deputy Commissioner, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change to save the 13 Sana Khongnang (Sacred Fig tree/Peepal tree) growing alongside the road from Canchipur till Lilong, which are at risk of being felled owing to the ongoing road expansion work.
On Wednesday, Forum president Kh Phajaton submitted the written request, stating that the 13 Sana Khongnang are at risk of being felled.
As such, the Forum urged for saving the trees, stating that lack of action on the part of authorities concerned had resulted in felling of many big trees in the past in the name of road development work.
Recently, several fully-grown Khongnang (banyan tree) at Lamboi Khong-nangkhong, Wangbal and Khongampat area were cut down due to lack of action on the part of authorities concerned.
The trees not only help in purifying the air and ensuring good health, but also promote the natural beauty of the areas, apart from being part of the state's cultural identity.
Thus, it is unfortunate that the departments engaged in the fight against climate change have approved the felling of the trees without even discussing alternatives.
One big tree produces oxygen required for at least 4 people per day.
Thus, felling the 13 Sana Khongnang is equivalent to murdering 52 people.
As such, the authorities should take up immediate steps to save the trees including revising the plan of felling the trees and spreading the importance of the trees with regard to climate change.
If it is necessary to cut down the trees, steps could be taken up to uproot the trees and replant the same at suitable locations, the Forum suggested in the letter.