MANI, May 27: Environment & Forests Minister Nabam Rebia appealed to the villagers of Mani in Doimukh circle to save the local flora and fauna for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Attending a development meeting here on Sunday, Rebia advised the villagers to conserve forests and water resources by not indulging in forest clearing activities.
Explaining the environmental impacts and consequences of deforestation, he appealed to the locals to stop jhum cultivation near water catchment areas.
“Water is precious and we must preserve this resource,” he said. Rebia cautioned the villagers that the third world war may be fought over water.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the local PRI members, Rebia said Rs 50 lakh has already been released for construction of a CC road in the village, and that additional fund would be released as per the estimate submitted by the PWD.
Local leaders Yab Hari Camdir, Yab Bola and Yowa Sopin, and retired ADC Yowa Topu also addressed the meeting.
Government officers, panchayat members, and senior citizens also attended the meeting.