Permission mandatory for ritual activities on Mt Koubru
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 24 2023:
Prior permission from the competent authority of the forest department has to be obtained before carrying out hill climbing expedition in connection with performing ritualfunctions atop mount Koubru.
According to an order issued by the divisional forest officer on January 26, 2023, many of the forest fires occurring in the hills can be attributed to organising of picnics, camps, expeditions and trekking in reserved forest areas.
This forest fire causes havoc in the forest destroying all the trees thereby disturbing the forest eco-system and wildlife.
According to Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, no trespassing is allowed without permission inside reserved forest area.
Therefore, organising picnics, camps, expeditions and trekking in the reserved forest area has been restricted until an order is issued in the regard, it pointed out.
Any individual or group desirous of organising ritual activities atop Mt Koubru should obtain prior permission from the competent authority for the same.
Those found violating the regulation can be jailed or fined or both according to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the order added.
According to reports received, many applications requesting permission for ritual activities atop Mt Koubru have been received at the office of divisional forest officer, Kangpokpi forest division.
The application includes names of all the individuals planning pilgrimage to Mt Koubru.