CYF issues stringent ban notifications to protect environment and wildlife in Phek district

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and upholding community mandates, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has released an official notification reaffirming several longstanding resolutions of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO).
In a press release issued by CYF president Kuvesa Khamo and general secretary Nokho Nyekha, announced strict prohibitions and penalty measures across key ecological and agricultural activities in Phek district.
Forest Protection: Indiscriminate burning of jungle is prohibited. Violators face a minimum fine of r. 30,000, subject to increase based on damage.
Medicinal Plant Extraction: Collection for commercial use is banned, attracting fines of Rs. 20,000 and confiscation of goods.
Wildlife Hunting: Year-round hunting and the possession of trapping or hunting equipment are strictly banned. Individuals face fines between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000, including seizure of tools.
Airgun Ban: A complete ban on airgun possession remains in place. Violators will be penalized similarly to hunting offenses.
Chemical Fishing: The use of generators, chemicals, or batteries for fishing is prohibited, with fines starting at Rs. 10,000.
Animal Import Guidelines: The notification also restricts pig imports to vaccinated piglets under 30 kg with certified veterinary documentation. Pigs over the weight limit must be evacuated within 24 hours or face seizure, with fines of Rs. 30,000 imposed on offenders and Rs. 15,000 on vehicle owners involved in illegal transport.
Water Resource Management: The CYF encouraged groundwater recharge initiatives and mandates community-led borewell construction, subject to CPO approval.
Organizational Oversight: Two dedicated cells—Biodiversity and Pig Import Promotional—will oversee enforcement. The cells comprise appointed officials responsible for monitoring compliance and safeguarding natural resources. The CYF called upon village and area youth leaders to strictly disseminate and enforce the notification in their respective jurisdictions. To support effective enforcement, the organization has instituted a reward scheme: 50% of collected fines will be awarded to informers, whose confidentiality will be protected.
In a separate appeal, CYF has issued a public appeal, raising concerns over increasing cases of illegal hunting and unauthorized pig imports in Phek district stating that these actions directly contravene the established resolutions of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and the CYF, prompting renewed calls for community-wide vigilance. The appeal comes in the wake of reports indicating a surge in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases across Nagaland, a highly contagious and fatal disease affecting pigs. In response, the CYF has urged all affiliated units to scale up monitoring activities, reinforce biosecurity protocols and cooperate fully to contain further transmission risks.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots enforcement, the CYF directed all units to report any difficulties in implementing the bans or any non-compliance cases to the central CYF office for immediate intervention. Violators of hunting and pig import restrictions will face strict actions as outlined in the CYF and CPO resolutions.