Emphasizing that forests are a shared national asset and not solely the domain of the Forest Department, the Government of Manipur commemorated the International Day of Forests with a comprehensive program at Lamdeng Makha Leikai in Imphal West district. Organized by the State Forest Department, the event saw participation from senior officials, volunteers, and local residents, underscoring the significance of community involvement in forest conservation. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Anurag Bajpai, IFS, remarked that forests belong to the populace and called for increased public engagement in their safeguarding and sustainable management. He highlighted the reliance on forest resources for sustenance during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the critical function of forests in food security, with 2.4 lakh handloom products linked to forest-based resources. Bajpai cautioned against environmental issues, linking erratic rainfall and water shortages to deforestation and degradation, and urged collective action against forest fires, illegal activities, and unsustainable land-use practices such as poppy cultivation, which endanger the ecological balance and economic development of the State. The event also promoted the “Ningol Van” initiative, aimed at planting trees in the names of women statewide as a commitment to environmental conservation and social acknowledgment. Distinguished attendees included APCCF Soreiphy Vashum, IFS, and other senior officials. Media representatives and volunteers participated in tree planting drives across Lamdeng. The observance concluded with a reiteration of the importance of protecting forests, regarded as vital for sustainable livelihoods and future well-being in the region.
Anurag Bajpai Calls for Concerted Efforts to Protect Forests
