Forest department evicts encroachers

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, April 24, 2020: Manipur forest department with the support of state police evicted encroachers at Lamlongei, Langol reserved forest on Friday.

Three illegal dwelling houses which had been constructed recently in Compartment No.5, Khabam Block at Langol reserved forest at Macheng Village, Lamlongei were evicted.

A regular patrolling team of Central Forest Division detected the unauthorised constructions and stopped the constructions. However taking the advantage of lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic and while the frontline staffs were fully engaged in controlling and fighting forest fires at different places, the encroacher restarted the constructions, principal chief conservator of forest and HoFF, Kereilhouvi Angami said in a statement released on Friday.

The eviction was taken up after serving a deadline on 21 to remove the structures failing which eviction would be carried out on April 24.

Encroachment including illegal constructions inside the reserved forests violates provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, Manipur Forest Rules, 1971 and instructions issued by the central government. In addition, it amounts to damage to government property under Indian Penal Code. Besides evictions, the encroachers are liable for punishments with imprisonment or fine or with both, the chief conservator said.

They are also liable to pay compensation for damage to the forest and all the materials deposited on the land being encroached upon are also liable to be forfeited. Department has initiated action against the encroachers as per the prevalent laws, it added.

The department has appealed to all concerned not to encroach upon the forest lands. All encroachers shall be evicted and actions shall be taken up as per the laws.

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