*Protecting Mizoram’s Green Heart: Indian Army and Assam Rifles carrying out Conservation Efforts
These discussions help on ground to ensure a long-term commitment to environmental protection by instilling eco-conscious habits in the local population.
A little recap on the backgrounder !
Mizoram has left behind the troubled days of insurgency in 1986. Mizos are known for their hard working qualities and pragmatism in undertaking developmental works and education.
In fact, it would not be erroneous to say that to the natives of Mizoram, ‘development and peace’ are not mere philosophical or ideological concepts.
These are no mere wishful thinking too.
Leaving bad old days of insurgency behind, the Mizos believe these two traits suit their society and are key stepping stones to a good life.
Now the fast-forward !!
Mizoram has always been known for its green and rich biodiversity. However, due to current challenges such as the deforestation of some forest areas, illegal logging by some, and climate changes, its environment is endangered.
In this context, Indian Army and Assam Rifles have surpassed their security traditional roles by engaging in very active conservation of the environment, making a big impact on the ecological balance in Mizoram and the economy.
Another recent campaign was in Lunglei district in mid-July 2024.
'The Times of India' reported that more than 10,000 saplings from their "natively grown tree species", which were planted by personnel from Assam Rifles with the help of locals and even students - were made use of.
These initiatives not only prevent further deforestation but also help in controlling soil erosion, conserving groundwater, and protecting the water retention capability of Mizoram's rolling landscape.
In Champhai too, Assam Rifles has undertaken plantation drives under their initiative to rejuvenate the fragile ecosystem, reports Mizo Express, which indicates that the environment needs to be protected for the future as well.
The officers also highlighted the environmental issues Mizoram faces and encouraged residents to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives.
Yet another huge effort the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have undertaken in Mizoram has been anti-illegal logging and anti-poaching.
A joint patrolling with the Mizoram Forest Department in Champhai in 2023 saw the dismantling of illegal logging camps and sawmills and caught poachers.
These helped safeguard rich biodiversity in the state and created a model for others experiencing such ecological issues.
Sources say, another set of activities taken by the Army and Assam Rifles in Mizoram is in the areas of sustainable agricultural practices.
In collaboration with the Mara Autonomous District Council in Siaha, Assam Rifles trained local farmers on techniques like terrace farming and crop rotation.
These decrease the pressure on forest resources and prevent further deforestation. The Army and the Assam Rifles are therefore supporting collective responsibility for conservation through public education among farmers on how to meet their economic needs without causing ecological damage.
Assam Rifles has also set up nurseries in Mizoram with the help of local NGOs to produce saplings for reforestation programs.
The nurseries are being used as centers for environmental education to make the locals understand why biodiversity is important and how the native species contribute to sustainability.
Such grassroots movements have been widely shared on social media, inspiring people across India to take action in their own communities. These efforts have been featured in Green India, where community-based nurseries have galvanized a national movement toward environmental conservation.
Local woman: Born Entrepreneur !! |
Tail Piece:
On 25th October 2015 ‘Mann-ki-Baat’ radio programme through All India Radio, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the name of the hitherto little known Mizoram’s Khawalailung village from the remote Champai district, most Mizos were impressed.
Almost the entire state echoed in one tone ‘kalaw mein’ (Thank You in Mizo language) to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his radio talk.
Blogger and a veteran Mizoram scribe - Vanlalruata - -- 'when they look alike, they often eat and think alike' !! |
ends
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