Nagaland: Mokokchung village inaugurates 50-hectare urban forest to promote biodiversity

Dimapur: A 50-hectare Nagar Van Meraküm Tzüin (urban forest) was officially inaugurated in Nagaland's Mokokchung village under Mokokchung district on Wednesday, marking a significant step in urban biodiversity conservation and environmental education in the region.

Nagaland Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vedpal Singh, in his inaugural address, elaborated on the core objectives of the central Nagar Van scheme.

He emphasised that the initiative aims to boost education, raise awareness, and reconnect urban populations with forest ecosystems, addressing the growing disconnect between humans and nature.

"The success of this project lies in the collaborative effort of the village and the department," Singh stated, highlighting the model's potential for replication across Nagaland and beyond.

He also suggested establishing a monitoring board to track the site's biodiversity status.

He commended Mokokchung village for donating the land and the Mokokchung Forest Division for the timely execution of the project.

In her keynote address, Sentitula, DFO, Mokokchung forest division, detailed the various features of the site, including eco-trails, a QR-coded "living lab" for plant information, a Bible theatre, and a bio-amphitheatre.

Mokokchung DC Ajit Kumar Verma lauded the project as futuristic and stressed the importance of urban forests amidst current environmental challenges.

He urged the village council and the forest department to develop a sustainable, revenue-generating model for the project’s long-term maintenance, given the limited government resources.

Rongsenlemla, Conservator of Forests (Northern Territorial Circle), explained the objectives behind urban forest development.

Mapuyanger, chairman of the Mokokchung Village Council, reiterated the village's commitment to supporting the project.