Dag Chithas, Pattas issued inside Langol Reserved Forest shall be null: CFD

Imphal: Many illegal Dags have been issued within the Langol Reserved Forest against the provisions of the Forest Acts and Rules; any Dag Chithas or Pattas issued inside the Langol Reserved Forest shall be null and void as per the state government’s order issued on May 31, 1994.

This was said by divisional Forest officer (DFO) N. Ganesh on Saturday.

On this day, DFO Ganesh, Range Forest officer (RFO), Kiranjit Yumnam, Sadar west range and other forest staff, conducted a route march along the foothills of Langol Reserved Forest (RF).

The march started from the Tarung general area and proceeded to the Iroishemba Beat office.

The primary objective of this march was to assess the human-induced pressures affecting the reserved forest.

Langol Reserved Forest and Langol Extension RF were established by the Manipur State Darbar Resolution No.4 on November 2, 1938. Langol RF covers an area of 19.22 sq. km, while Langol Extension RF spans 2.05 sq. km. These forests are under the jurisdiction of Sadar East and Sadar West Range, comprising two blocks: Lamdeng and Khabam.

During the march, the team addressed critical issues such as trespassing, littering, and small-scale mining, which pose significant threats to the forest ecosystem. It is important to note that any illegal occupation within the reserved forest contravenes Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, and Section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Such encroachments are punishable under law.

The team also proposed establishing additional check-posts along the boundaries of the Langol RF to monitor and prevent illegal activities in and around the area.

DFO Ganesh directed the Range Forest officers to conduct a fresh assessment of encroachers to safeguard the forest.

The Forest department remains dedicated to the conservation and restoration of our forests. Ongoing efforts are being made to protect the biodiversity and natural resources of Langol RF. By implementing stricter monitoring measures and engaging local communities, the department aims to create a sustainable and secure environment for both wildlife and the people of Imphal, the DFO said.

“We appeal to the general public to inform the Forest department of any new encroachments or illegal activities in the reserved forests to aid in our conservation efforts.”