Manipur forest dept identifies 307 hectares under poppy cultivation

IMPHAL, OCT 9 (NPN): The Manipur Forest Department has identified over 307 hectares of forest land under illicit poppy cultivation across hill districts, as the state prepares to launch its annual destruction drive.
Addressing a press conference at the department’s office on Friday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Anurag Bajpai, said the areas were detected during a recent drone survey, particularly in Senapati, Churachandpur and Chandel districts. He added that the survey, which began in mid‑September, was still underway and the extent of cultivation could increase.
Bajpai informed that the department has shared the latest findings with the police to initiate necessary action. “We file FIRs and forest offence reports, and coordinate with paramilitary forces and the narcotics department. The destruction will take place in the coming days,” he said.
Terming poppy cultivation a continuing challenge, Bajpai stressed that repeated destruction alone may not provide a lasting solution, as seeds can remain dormant in the soil. The department is exploring scientific methods to suppress growth, including introducing faster‑growing plant species.
He said alternative livelihood programmes were also being promoted to discourage villagers from returning to poppy cultivation. Around 255 hectares of destroyed land have already been brought under bamboo plantations during the 2024–25 and 2025–26 fiscal years.
Highlighting broader forest loss, Bajpai noted that Manipur recorded a decline of 50 sq km in forest cover as per the Forest Survey of India 2023 assessment. Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts registered the largest losses. He cited forest fires, shifting cultivation and development projects as other major factors.
The PCCF said nearly 6,000 forest‑fire incidents were reported in 2025, while 600 hectares of forest land were diverted for development projects. He underscored the long‑term consequences of deforestation, remarking, “A forest can be cut within one day, but it cannot be grown within one day.”
With the dry season beginning in October and poppy plants flowering during the same period, Bajpai said vigilance had been stepped up. Standard operating procedures have been issued to divisional forest officers, including strengthening community participation, forming village‑level fire prevention committees and improving early‑warning systems.
He added that around 9,500 people across forest divisions are connected to the department’s SMS alert system, while a control room with round‑the‑clock services has been set up to coordinate responses.
On cross‑border smuggling, Bajpai identified Myanmar timber, including teak, and areca nuts as major products illegally transported across the border. The department is coordinating with Assam Rifles, police and intelligence agencies* to monitor vulnerable routes. Daily foot patrols with geotagged photographs are also being conducted to ensure accountability.