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Problem of illicit forest clearance by Nepalese immigrants at Ghaspani |
| text: |
To Ghaspani. Three Gurkhalis had settled at Nichuguard without passes and cleared a lot of forest land. Two were ex-sepoys from Kohima and one a faltu immigrant from Nepal. I ordered the latter out, and told the Head Constable of Police to pull down his house in a month's time. I think the unreserved forest between Nichuguard and Dimapur ought to be classified as unreserved State forest A under the Assam Valley scheme so that squatting could be properly regulated. It is a most wasteful method to clear heavy jungle and move on, as these Nepalis do, after two years, and I have not the staff to deal with that sort of thing. On the other hand if the jungle was classified it would give the Forest Officer and his rangers power to interfere and take action, and they are the people who notice it. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Sibsagar, who was with me pointed out the matter to me. On the other hand I do not want any extension of the formally reserved forest. |
