Reported by: Bit Irom
Imphal: The Central Forest Division, Manipur, conducted an extensive Area Domination Exercise along the foothills of the Heingang Reserve Forest on May 9, 2026, primarily to prevent illegal encroachment, stop illicit tree felling, and curb unauthorized earth excavation.
The exercise was carried out amid significant loss of forest cover in Manipur, with approximately 877 square kilometers disappearing between 1987 and 2021, and an additional 52,000 acres lost between 2021 and 2025 due to rapid deforestation.
The state, particularly in hilly regions like Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, has faced accelerated degradation of reserved and protected forests driven by poppy cultivation, illegal logging, and encroachment.
During the exercise, intensive patrolling and ground verification were conducted across sensitive locations within the foothills of the Heingang Reserve Forest to prevent illegal construction activities and other actions detrimental to the ecological integrity of the reserve forest.
The exercise was launched under the leadership of Vikram Suresh Nadhe (IFS), Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Manipur. He appealed to the public to contribute to the Forest Department’s efforts in preserving the ecological balance and preventing the destruction of valuable forest areas. Citizens are encouraged to report any illegal activities within reserve forest areas to the concerned authorities for prompt action.
The Department will continue to intensify such area domination exercises and enforcement drives in vulnerable forest areas to ensure long-term protection and sustainable management of the forests.
Vikram Suresh Nadhe was accompanied by M. Jobid Meitei, Range Forest Officer, Imphal East Range; Kiranjit Yumnam, Range Forest Officer, Imphal West Range; and S. Robatson Singh, Range Forest Officer, Nongmaiching Range, along with frontline forest staff.