Imphal: Acknowledging the loss of agricultural land, particularly in the Imphal valley, the Manipur government registered 1,473 cases against the shrinking of agricultural land.
These cases have been taken for construction illegally on agricultural land under the Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Protection Act, 2014.
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This was stated by the Manipur Agriculture Minister Th. Biswajit in response to a discussion on demand for grants on the Agriculture department in the ongoing state assembly on Wednesday.
The Minister stated that 1,473 cases of unauthorized structures on agricultural land were identified, with 1,172 cases taken up by the Revenue Department. Notices were served to 945 violators, resulting in the seizure of 67 vehicles and other materials.
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Under this Act, the minister said that any person who, in violation of the provisions of this Act, converts or reclaims any paddy land shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a tenn which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to five years and shall also pay a fine which shall not be less than Rs 50,000.
The minister also mentioned that the agricultural census conducted in 2021-22 showed an increase in agricultural land, partly due to expansion into hill areas whereas there is a loss of agricultural land, particularly in the Imphal valley.
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Bishwajit also appealed to the local clubs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to familiarize themselves with the Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Protection Act, 2014, to enhance its effectiveness in protecting agricultural lands.
Earlier, during the session, opposition Congress MLA Lokeshwar criticized the lack of implementation of agricultural land highlighting the importance of protecting agricultural land to ensure food security for future generations. He also expressed his unhappiness with agrarian lands being converted for other uses, including brick fields and housing. He also stressed proper planning to balance development and agricultural preservation.
In the end, the opposition Congress MLA withdrew the policy cut motion, and a budget allocation of Rs 378,87,83,000 was granted for the financial year ending March 31, 2025.