Manipur Identifies 307 Hectares of Poppy Cultivation in Forest Areas
The Manipur Forest Department has identified 307 hectares of forest land affected by illegal poppy cultivation across Churachandpur, Senapati and Chandel districts. Bamboo plantations have been established across 255 hectares to restore degraded forest areas, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai said on October 9.
Speaking at a press conference at the Forest Department headquarters, Bajpai said surveys to detect illegal poppy cultivation were ongoing, with the possibility of identifying additional affected areas.
He described poppy cultivation as a major threat to forests and society, noting that the department had been conducting surveys since 2018. Bamboo plantation is part of its forest restoration initiative and is also expected to create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The department is researching plant species that could help restrict poppy growth and is engaging village chiefs to discourage the practice while promoting alternative livelihoods. As poppy plants generally flower in October, the department is coordinating with central forces to ensure their destruction.
Forest Department Strengthens Dry-Season Preparedness
Bajpai said approximately 78 per cent of Manipur’s geographical area is classified as forest land, while forest cover accounts for around 74 per cent. With the dry season beginning in October, the department has strengthened preparations to tackle forest fires, illegal poppy cultivation, forest produce smuggling, wildlife trafficking and unauthorised tree felling.
A standard operating procedure for forest fire prevention has been issued, with local communities and volunteers expected to assist in responding to incidents.
Revenue from Seized Forest Products Reaches Rs 47 Crore
The department is intensifying efforts to prevent the smuggling of Myanmar teak, areca nuts and timber across the Indo-Myanmar border. Forest officials are conducting foot patrols in vulnerable areas and coordinating with intelligence agencies and security forces.
According to Bajpai, revenue generated from seized forest products increased from Rs 30 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 38 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 47 crore in 2025–26.
He said seized forest products are handed over to the department under the prescribed standard operating procedure in accordance with a Supreme Court order. The materials are subsequently auctioned, and the proceeds are collected as government revenue.
12 Forest Staff Suspended Over Alleged Tree Felling
Bajpai confirmed that 12 staff members of the Thoubal Forest Division had been suspended in connection with an alleged tree-felling incident. An inquiry is underway, and its findings are awaited.
He warned that illegal tree felling, wildlife killing and unauthorised earth cutting are serious offences that will invite action.
The department’s ongoing initiatives aim to curb illegal poppy cultivation, protect forest resources, restore degraded land and provide alternative livelihood opportunities to communities in Manipur’s hill districts.
