Villagers affected by bamboo flowering seek help

Imphal, Aug 21 (UNI) Villagers of Tousem sub-division in Manipur's Tamenglong district have urged the government to help them cope with the rodent menace which is on the rise following bamboo flowering.

Chairman of Development Co-ordinating Team (DCT) Federation, Tousem, P Damsuak said of the total forest area in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district, 70 per cent is covered by bamboos and the people depend on it for their livelihood.

Flowering of bamboos started in February-March 2005 and the member of rodent has increased manifold since then.

For the last two years the villagers were facing untold misery as they had no means of earning money, the Chairman said.

No agricultural activities could be done it was stated.

About Rs 280.55 lakhs had been given as financial assistance to the affected people by the government, but the money has not yet reached the people it was stated.

The Chairman also refuted the government claim that replantation had been done in the area. He appealed to the government to ensure that the villagers affected by bamboo flowering were addressed.

UNI