Deforestation in Manipur
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: April 09 2015 -
About 30 years ago Manipur had lush forest areas and the valley was fraught with scrub lands.
There were thick forests even in the valley areas to such an extent that Khamba could catch tigers at Moirang.
However as a result of unbridled deforestation over the years today there is no greenery in the mountains and tall trees are rare sights in the valley districts.
Birds and animals which had comfortable population some decades ago are rarely seen today.
The Nongmaiching was full of animals and villages at Andro and Maiba Khul and others have been the refuge of some deer which had been terrified and chased away by bush fires set by hunters and farmers of shifting cultivation.
Despite the encouraging trend of more and more people rescuing the escaping animals it is a sad fact that the animal and bird population is alarmingly low.
It should be seen in the light of venison, pork of wild boars and others openly sold at many places.
There is a Supreme Court order against deforestation and loggings. However in case of Manipur this is observed only in breach.
Age old teak trees at Sanjengthong opposite the Veterinary and forest offices had been felled down one fine morning without any protests from the stunned people.
There was no explanation as to who had taken these away and why.
In the latest instance one low grade government employee who has powerful connections had felled down pine trees at the catchment areas in the Shingda dam.
Had it not been for the watchful members of public and women vigilantes he would have escaped scot free.
Police never came to the assistance of the activists. This may not be first instance of felling trees in the reserved forest if the adverse impact on the dam areas is any indication.
Even today most of the families are depending on firewood for cooking and heating during winter.
Besides firewood is a must for cremation as electric crematorium is unheard of in this state.
In a sense it is a blessing in disguise since in case of electric crematorium many half burned bodies would be left while many other bodies cannot be cremated at all due to power outage.
It is not difficult to guess that the watchman will escape scot free at the intervention of some politicians.
In other words there will be more destruction of reserved forests with impunity.
It will be closely watched whether the chief minister and his forest minister will take up any actions despite the fact that it is not seen as a crime in Manipur.
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