Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Green gold gets shine back with bamboo mission: New Delhi, Apr 20: Commercial cultivation of the “green gold”—bamboo—and production of modern value-added products are gradually gaining momentum under the aegis of the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) which was set up a year ago. Eight states of northeastern India and four other states, namely, Orissa, West Bengal , Bihar and Jharkhand have already followed the suit by initiating bamboo development programmes at their end. Arunachal Pradesh has set up its bamboo development agency and its bamboo mission for conservation of genetic resources. Two bamboo-based units have been set up—one at Namsal for producing structural material and another at Chowkham for producing bamboo mats. A certification laboratory for seed and vegetative planting material is likely to be set up by the state forest research institute, while nurseries are set up at places. In Assam , NBM has planned value-addition projects at Kamrup, Tinsukia, Sonitpur, Silchar, while...

AJFMC alleges disparity in fund allotment: Imphal, Jan 31: The All Joint Forest Management Committee (AJFMC), Tamenglong district, has alleged the existence of imbalance in the allotment of funds under the Central Government's National Bamboo Mission (NBM) in the hill districts of Manipur and urged the concerned Department to take up remedial measures. The AJFMC has alleged that under the NBM, which is implemented through the State Forest Department agency (FDA), there is disparity in the allotment of schemes hectare wise. It pointed out that, out of the total 4000 hectares targeted in the whole State, only 500 hectares have been allotted to the western Tamenglong division though it is considered as the only 'bamboo district' among all hill districts of the State. Out of the 4000 hectares targeted area, 600 hectares have been allotted to the eastern Ukhrul Forest division where no traces of bamboo are seen, it alleged. As per the FDA allotment, the northern Kangpokpi divisi...