In a firm step to safeguard Manipur’s Langol Reserved Forest from rising human interference, forest officials from the Central Forest Division conducted a route march along the forest’s foothills near Khongampat on Wednesday, May 6. The operation, led by Range Forest Officers Kiranjit Yamnam and Sorokhaiban Robatson, aimed to monitor and curb illegal activities degrading the ecologically sensitive zone. The march was undertaken to assess the extent of human encroachment and pressures on the forest ecosystem. According to officials, the team observed a worrying pattern of activities such as unauthorized entry, illegal dumping of waste, illicit felling of trees, unregulated cultivation, and small-scale mining—all within the boundaries of the protected reserve.
Forest officials warned that these actions constitute serious violations under multiple laws, including Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, and Section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Those found guilty face penalties that may include imprisonment of up to six months, fines, and mandatory compensation for ecological damage.Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vikram Suresh Nadhe expressed grave concern over the persistence of encroachment and issued clear directives to intensify forest surveillance. He instructed forest staff to conduct a fresh survey of the encroached areas, increase the frequency of patrols, and enforce strict action against offenders.
As part of the broader protection strategy, the division is also planning to set up additional check-posts around the Langol Reserve Forest to prevent illegal movement and strengthen boundary enforcement. Officials noted that proactive community participation is crucial and appealed to citizens to report any suspicious or illegal activity in and around the reserve.The Langol Reserved Forest, known for its biodiversity and importance as a green lung for the Imphal region, has come under increasing pressure due to urban expansion and land-use conflicts. Authorities are now stepping up both vigilance and public awareness efforts to preserve this vital ecological area.
