With the roosting site of the Amur falcons undergoing a change, and have migrated from Pangti area to Old Aree village, the Old Aree Village Council (OAVC) has passed a few resolutions to protect and preserve the Amur Falcons.
In the resolution, OAVC reiterated their commitment of October 24, 2022, to safeguard the Amur Falcon Bird within their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the council prohibited the operation of medicinal plants, herbs for pharmacological purposes and also banned the use of chemicals for fishing or any chemicals related activities in the area.
The council warned that defaulters will be imposed a fine or Rs. 5000. Speaking to Nagaland Post, chairman of OAVC, Liponthung Lotha stated that the Amur Falcons have been roosting at Aree village since 2021 and the department of Wildlife and Forest have also paid a visit to the roosting site while expressing concerns about the deplorable condition of their village. He said despite many tourists willing to visit, the village was currently unable to accommodate tourists due to the poor condition of the road.
In this regard, the chairman requested the government to provide proper road connectivity to enable visitors to reach the village comfortably. OAVC has also urged the government to consider the construction of a watchtower so that tourists can observe the Amur falcons without disturbing their resting habitat. The chairman also highlighted the need for a water tank in the village specifically for tourists.
AOVAFRSL calls for govt intervention
Aree Old Village Amur Falcon Roosting Site Landowner (AOVAFRSL) has called for state government intervention as the landowners continue its mission on safe conservation of Amur Falcon. AOVAFRSL in a press release by its president, Rhonkhuthung Lotha and secretary, W. Kikon said since 2019 Amur Falcon has been roosting in the Aree Old Village in a private owned land. However, those areas where the migratory bird were roosting were being deprived of any benefits from the government.
It therefore, appealed to the concerned authorities to take into the account of “concurrence” of the landowners in the conservation policies and facilitate towards concert efforts for the well-being of the Amur Falcon birds. Meanwhile, the landowners welcomed all Amur Falcon lovers and nature enthusiast to visit.