Imphal: In a significant step toward the protection and preservation of forest land, the Central Forest Division said, it carried out a major encroachment removal drive in the Heingang Reserve Forest on Tuesday.
The operation was lead by Range Forest Officer (RFO) Sadar East, M Jobid Meitei, and RFO Nongmaiching, S Robatson Singh.
During the operation, a total of 18 illegally constructed structures within the Reserve Forest were successfully dismantled. These structures had been built in violation of forest protection laws and posed a direct threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the region.
The Forest department was ably assisted by the Imphal East Police, whose timely presence and coordination ensured that the operation was executed without any resistance or untoward incident.
The Department acknowledged the crucial role played by the senior superintendent of police, Imphal East, and his team in ensuring law and order throughout the drive.
In an official statement following the ‘successful’ operation, the DFO Vikram Nadhe, reaffirmed the Forest department’s unwavering commitment to forest conservation. “Reserve Forests are not only the lungs of our state but are also a repository of our rich natural heritage”. “Heingang Reserve Forest, in particular, is a treasure trove of biological diversity. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard such vital ecosystems.”
The DFO also made a strong appeal to the public, urging all to refrain from encroaching upon forest land, and to respect the legal boundaries of Reserve Forests. He emphasized that forest protection is not merely a legal obligation but a moral and ecological imperative. “Preserving these forests ensures the ecological balance essential for our sustainable future,” he added.
The removal of encroachments is not merely a legal necessity, but a vital step toward preserving states ecological security. It ensures compliance with legal frameworks and helps maintain the ecological balance essential for sustainable development. Hence, forest protection must be prioritized and strictly enforced.
The Range Forest officer M Jobid Meitei stated that Heingang Reserve Forest, located in the eastern fringes of Imphal, plays a crucial role in maintaining the local microclimate, preventing soil erosion, and supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. Its protection is integral to the region’s environmental health and the well-being of future generations.
The crackdown marks an important effort in upholding the Indian Forest Act and other legal frameworks governing forest protection. It serves as a warning to would-be encroachers that illegal occupation of forest land will not be tolerated and will be met with strict enforcement action, the Forest officer said.
The Central Forest Division reiterated that follow-up monitoring and enforcement will be conducted regularly to prevent re-encroachment and ensure the long-term protection of forest areas. Surveillance and patrolling will be intensified in sensitive zones, and local communities will be engaged through awareness and outreach initiatives to foster community-led conservation efforts.
This operation is part of a broader strategy by the Forest department to reclaim and restore forest lands that have been illegally occupied over the years. The department has made it clear that such drives will continue in other areas as well, with zero tolerance toward encroachment, the Forest department said.
