The Central Forest Division of Manipur successfully executed a comprehensive capacity-building program alongside a mock drill for frontline forest staff at the Forest Office Complex in Mantripukhri. The initiative focused on bolstering field-level enforcement and effective implementation of key legal frameworks, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Indian Forest Act of 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules of 1972.
The event featured R.K. Amarjit Singh (IFS), the Conservator of Forests and Special Secretary of the Forests, Environment, Climate Change and Land Resources Department, as the chief guest. Vikram Suresh Nadhe (IFS), the Divisional Forest Officer of the Central Forest Division, chaired the proceedings, which were attended by notable officers such as Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee (MFS) and Aquib Jamal (IFS) (P).
During his address, R.K. Amarjit Singh emphasized the introspective theme, “Introspecting Our Role as Foresters,” encouraging participants to contemplate their responsibilities towards forestry, wildlife, and future generations. He articulated the Forest Department’s philosophy as conservation-oriented, underscoring principles such as discipline, integrity, courage, and public service. Singh highlighted challenges facing state forests, including encroachment, illegal extraction, habitat degradation, and environmental imbalance.
The Chief Guest called for stricter law enforcement, heightened community engagement, enhanced coordination among departments, increased capacity for frontline staff, and proactive strategies for sustainable forest management.
The accompanying mock drill involved practical exercises from the four range offices within the Central Forest Division, showcasing standard operating procedures for managing illegal encroachments in reserved forest areas. Elements of the drill included site inspections, identification of encroachers, offense report preparation, documentation, and collaboration with civil and police entities for lawful evictions and actions.
Addressed elements of wildlife offenses under the Wildlife Protection Act encompassed seizure procedures, arrest protocols, evidence safeguarding, statement recordings, and prosecution preparations per legal standards. The drill also focused on illegal logging, emphasizing intensified patrolling, detection, and timely legal follow-up processes.
Further topics included monitoring illegal hill earth excavation in forest areas, which involved preventive measures, vehicle and machinery interceptions, seizure protocols, and necessary report submissions to appropriate authorities.
The mock drill reinforced vital aspects such as real-time response, legal application, case record maintenance, personal safety, teamwork, and effective communication within the division.
The Central Forest Division affirmed that such capacity-building initiatives are crucial for improving frontline staff’s efficiency, preparedness, and confidence in safeguarding forest resources and wildlife. The Division remains dedicated to the stringent enforcement of forest and wildlife laws, prioritizing the ecological integrity of the state.
