Draft state biodiversity rules submitted to govt

They said the draft reflected the aspirations of the people on biodiversity conservation and sustainable uses ofresources.

The Committee members said the draft Rules did notinfringe upon the traditional and daily practices of Nagaknowledge keepers, farmers and healers.

The Committee also suggested constitutions of TribalHoho Biodiversity Management Committee to network andfacilitate all local level biodiversity management committeesby clearly defining their functions and responsibilities andtheir linkages to the State Biodiversity Board.

With a view to emphasize the autonomy of the NagalandState Biodiversity Board, the Committee recognized the factthat it has to carry out its functions in conformity with Nagacustoms and traditions to give effect to Article 371(A) of theConstitution.

Under the Article 371 (A) land and its resources,tribal and customary practices are protected.

The members of the committee are Elusing Meru,convenor and secretary forest, noted environment lawyer SanjayUpadhayay, R K Verma, Amba Jamir Venguta Nakro, membersecretary.