Deforestation devastates Machi block of Tengnoupal

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 16

Eighty percent of the hill ranges of Machi block which comes under the newly created Tengnoupal district have all become barren as there are no more trees growing there. Deforestation has reached an alarming level in this area.  

The villages of Machi block, Tengnoupal district are Thamlai, Heinoikhong, Wabaching, Konaitong, Parington, Thabi keithel, Warongthel, Ringpam, Khoibu, Tonghang, and Meryland etc. Number of households ranging in between 150 to 300, are there in most of the villages.   

Deforestation for the purpose of producing firewood, coal, wood for house construction are carried out and “Uyok Kaiba” wherein trees nurtured for many years, are being cut down and sold for the sake of increasing the income of the village are being practiced.

After years of such deforestation, the hills have become all barren and only the stumps remain.

These villages can be reached through Heirok, Thoubal district and they are located near Ingalok village under Heirok Assembly constituency.

Agriculture has been the main source of income for the villagers. They also rely on the production of seasonal vegetables as another source of livelihood. Terrace farming is still carried out by the villagers.

On the other hand, the natural lake known as Ising Thingbi that lies amongst the rolling hills between Thamlai and Konaiton village under Machi block, has become swamped and blocked due to rapid deforestation. If the present satiation continues to prevail, Ising Thingbi lake will cease to exist and will no longer be visible.                    

There is an urgent need for the authorities concerned to look into the matter without any delay.