Imphal: Residents and commuters along Manipur’s Imphal-Moreh Road (National Highway-102) have reported significant environmental improvements around the Waithou Protected Forest following a major anti-encroachment drive and subsequent reforestation initiative.
According to former Thoubal Divisional Forest Officer Dinesh Chandra Salam, the turnaround began on June 12, 2022, when authorities evicted 69 illegal structures within the protected zone.
The Forest Department subsequently secured a seven-hectare tract with fencing and planted thousands of native saplings.
Four years into the initiative, the burgeoning canopy has begun bearing fruit, effectively restoring wildlife habitats for various bird and reptile species.
Environmental experts emphasize that such local interventions are critical as Manipur battles widespread deforestation. According to official data, forest cover spans 17,418 square kilometers, representing 74.7 percent of the state’s geographical area.
This includes 4,171.70 sq km of protected forests and 984.26 sq km of reserved forests, originally recognized under the Indian Forest Act of 1927. The remaining tracts consist of 11,130.73 sq km of unclassified forests and a 32.02 sq km Protected Area Network.
Local resident N. Rojesh noted that the afforestation has visibly enhanced water retention, cooled ambient temperatures, and improved air quality.
Commuters and visitors have similarly noted a marked transformation in the landscape compared to five years ago, with the rejuvenated foothills now attracting regular recreational visitors.
Officials and community leaders stress that the preservation of the Waithou ecosystem remains vital to safeguarding the adjacent Waithou Pat and Ushoipokpi Pat wetlands.
They have called for sustained maintenance and continued collaboration between state authorities and local communities to protect the restored green cover.