Shurhozelie for reviewing Biological Diversity Act

Kohima, Oct 8 (UNI) Nagaland Planning and Urban Development Minister Shurhozelie today urged the Union Government to review the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to protect the rights of the people over their land and its resources.

Inaugurating the State Level Consultation on National Biological Diversity Act, 2002, here this morning Shurhozelie said, ''Since Naga social, economic and cultural life revolved round the forest and its resources, it is important that the application of any Act dealing with such issues need to be examined against the background of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which accorded special status to Nagaland.

The Minister also appealed the organisers, Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development(NEPED), Nagaland Forest Department and others to prepare a report of the outcome of this two-day long consultation and accordingly report to the state Government so that steps could be taken immediately to take necessary steps to make the Act suitable for the people of the state.

Delivering the key-note address on the occasion, Nagaland Agriculture Production Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir said Nagaland is one of the noted Bio-diversity hot spots in the world having virgin forests with valuable and rare species of flora, noted for their medicinal value, which still remain unexplored by scientists.

He also informed that researchers have already declared that within the five to ten years, there will be no use for hydrocarbons (Petroleum) and vehicles will run on new method of sun cells. The inaugural function was chaired by the Team leader of NEPED Temjen Toy.

UNI