But nature’s bounty is slowly being reduced to patches of bare land. Deforestation has become the biggest threat to the people of this region. Random deforestation in this region started in the eighties, when the Forest (Conservation) Act was already in force. According to local sources, Nepalese woodcutters came from different parts of the state, and beyond, in search for work. Most of them settled as professional woodcutters. Initially, these woodcutters worked for locals who used the forests’ wood for personal use. They eventually graduate to working for rich timber businessmen in Dimapur.
Over the years, many timber smugglers joined the business and the forests’ of Meluri became the ultimate target. Deforestation accelerated. Wood like Pine, Redwood and Bonsun were in great demand in the domestic and international markets, so they were cut down rapidly. Many other rare species of trees measuring more than 100 feet tall and five meters circumference were randomly felled. The locals, unaware that deforestation could someday become a threat to them, gave easy access to these smugglers. Today, the forest has lost nearly 80 per cent of its seasoned trees; some of them hundreds of years old. Pine forest, the region’s asset is almost completely wiped out.
Deforestation may have come with economic benefits for locals, but despite that, the negatives greatly outweigh the positives. Even today, with less than 20 per cent of seasoned trees left in the forest, deforestation continues unabated. With little options for locals to earn money, they also indulge in the trade. As for the woodcutters, as long as there is work, they will continue. Generations of Nepalese woodcutters have worked in these forests.
The locals here hardly get any benefit from the wood they sell to rich timber barons, but the trade must go on for them. While the timber barons have become millionaires, the locals remain largely ignorant about the drain of their wealth. There is also still very little awareness on conservation here; owing to which the region is slowly losing its green covers.
The ultimate result of deforestation has been a major decrease in biodiversity. Deforestation has slowly destroyed natural habitats for animals in this region. Many animals found in the forest have disappeared. One Pochury hunter said earlier a variety of animals and birds like elephants, chimpanzees and peacocks could be spotted in the forest. They are no longer visible. Several water sources have also dried up, he said.
Deforestation is being discussed among many people but there is very little solution being offered. The region, which could have well become a hotspot for nature lovers, is slowly becoming a reflection of the rest of Nagaland, a State that has lost nearly 70 per cent of its forest cover. (The figures given are based on rough estimates made by locals of the region) (Agencies)