Karaiba Chawang
The people of Peren district have started questioning the prospect and negative impact from the massive Teak plantations in the region, which was earlier though that their future lay in this “green gold”.
They earlier craved for these trees but now have started expressing disappointment, after they realized that the plantations were threatening not only the local economy, but also the ecology of the area – in sharp contrast to their initial expectations. No doubt, teak is still the most valued among trees species, but it is not for the poor, opined one farmer. Teak, scientifically known as Teaktona grandis, was in the beginning was considered “green gold”, because of its high timber value in the market, durability, smoothness and versatile usages. And, with much zeal the people of the district had begun large-scale plantation. But disappointment replaced expectations after the planters, mostly poor farmers who eke out their living from vegetables and herbs, found out that the “green gold” was not for them.
Its long gestation period and unfriendly nature to undergrowths, vegetables and plants have posed a severe threat to poor economy of the villagers. “These days I can’t grow anything since teak trees are everywhere, especially on those fertile hills where we use to grow chilies, cucumber etc”, rued Anu, a cultivator, who rely her daily bread on vegetables and other plants products. Several other women Jhum cultivators expressed the same opinion.
With most of the common birds, arboreal and herbivores disappearing, the natives of Jalukie Valley, also home of all kinds of fauna, attributes this common phenomena to hunting, but also suspect the invasion of teak trees. Teak trees, they said does not bear fruits or flowers fit for animals and birds to consume. Moreover, in places where teak grows, undergrowths disappears, which compel animals and birds to shift their habitat. Perhaps, the random plantation of tree species after removing all indigenous plants may pose a serious threat. This effecting ecological imbalances in future, is what intellectuals of Peren district have started arguing.
Though, scientifically yet to be proven, most of the older folks in Jalukie valley suspect that Teak trees could be another source of health hazards, if planted close to human habitation, though they fail explain the reason behind. This hypothesis was evolved after some strange ailments began to develop among the denizens. Every year, thousands of teak trees are planted after clearing indigenous Vegetation. From hills to plains Teak, trees plantations are a common sight in the district, especially in Jalukie valley and Ntuma areas under Tening subdivision. “It might benefit the rich people but not the poor. Now our villagers has realized its negative impact”, said Robin, who completed his Master of Tourism from Kurukshetra University.
Teak plantation was a prestige issues in the valley. Earlier, people measured their wealth with the number of teaks they planted. But it is not so now. Farmers are now shying away from this “green gold”, and are going for other plants which will boost their economy in a short period. Some people said that idea of undertaking teak plantation on large scale in district was a scheme of some affluent individuals to manipulate the rich resources of the district. Whether it is from the state government or some rich individuals, poor farmers do not know, but they used to receive money about Rs 450-500, said one villager, for planting teak trees. Nagaland PCCF, Lolen Meren said that though they don’t provide subsidies, they don’t prevent any individuals having land from planting trees. Further, he maintained ignorance about dark side of teak tree. Forest department sources also said that they have not undertaken any intensive research or have formulated policies on the introduction of the specie. Some officials of the department also pooh-poohed the hypothesis that heavy concentration of Teak trees in particular area could affect the flora and fauna of that region.
