Nagaland Timber traders Union (NTTU) has expressed dismay over the ban imposed by Peren civil society organisations, prohibit the passage of round timber, unprocessed round logs from Peren district.
In a representation to the DC Peren, NTTU clarified that the timber traders were not indulged in “rampant deforestation and exploitation of natural resources” in Peren district.
NTTU said that their business was strictly regulated in terms of working schemes approved by the concern authority from time to time.
It, therefore, said that the Peren CSOs had no authority to interfere with the working schemes duly approved by the government. The union also pointed out that none of the sawmills presently functioning in Peren district were approved by the concern authority for processing the round logs. As such, it said there was no other alternative but to transport the same to the approved mills outside the district.
It further said that under working schemes, the timber traders operating in Peren district had made investments to the tune of Rs. 6,67,55,709.
As such, it said that imposition of total ban has not only adversely affected the business, but also the livelihood, especially during this peak season.
NTTU, therefore, urged the DC to intervene and to direct the CSOs to revoke their decision immediately or to issue strict directives to CSOs to pay back the invested amount of Rs 6, 67,55,709 only with the interest @12% per annum to the timber traders within fifteen days from the date of this representation.