Govt flags mass encroachment at Lokhipahar forest land

In pursuance of a Cabinet directive, a team of officials led by principal secretary, department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Y. Kikheto Sema, along with principal chief conservator of forests Vedpal Singh, addl. PCCF (Territorial) Supongnukshi and other forest officials, conducted a field inspection of Lokhipahar forest purchased land at Jaboka village under Tizit sub-division, Mon district on April 22.
According to DIPR, the inspection aimed to assess the status of the government-purchased land, including its boundaries, forest cover, and extent of encroachment. The Jaboka purchased land (Lokhipahar), covering approximately 2,138 hectares, was acquired in September 1977 for conservation, protection and ecological restoration. The area forms part of a larger forest landscape characterised by hilly terrain, tropical vegetation and rich biodiversity.
During the visit, the team observed that a significant portion of the land had been encroached upon by surrounding villages over the past 30 years through plantation activities such as tea, betel nut and bamboo cultivation, leaving only a small portion under departmental control.
Kikheto directed the divisional forest officer (Mon) and range officer (Tizit) to carry out detailed assessment using drones and GPS mapping to ascertain the factual position.
He also asked senior officials to coordinate for immediate action.
The team noted that inadequate boundary demarcation was a major factor behind the encroachment and stressed the need for re-survey, installation of permanent boundary pillars, and GPS mapping to safeguard the land and restore the forest ecosystem. Kikheto further emphasised the need for a comprehensive management plan for all government-purchased lands in the State.
En route to Dimapur, the team also visited Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the Assam border. Covering around 24 sq km, the sanctuary is known for its tropical and subtropical forests, rich biodiversity, and significant elephant population.
Kikheto appreciated the efforts of the sanctuary staff and highlighted its potential for eco-tourism, adding that strengthening protection measures and community involvement would be crucial for long-term sustainability.