Over 14 hectares of poppy plantations destroyed
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, January 16 2023:
Ramping up the War on Drug campaign, more than 14 hectares of poppy plantations have been destroyed at Kangpokpi district, said Range Forest Officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division.
Personnel of Kangpokpi Forest Division along with the district police identified poppy plantations and carried out destruction drives at the hill ranges of Harup Naga village, T Waichong and Mongjang village, Saikul, said a statement of the Range Forest Officer Kangpokpi Division.
During the drives, a total of 14.35 hectares of poppy plantations were destroyed.
4.23 hectares of poppy were destroyed at Harup Naga and 10.12 hectares were destroyed at Mongjang village.
FIRs have been filed against cultivators and further legal actions would be pursued, it said.
While stating that the drives were conducted in line with the Government's effort to eradicate illegal poppy cultivation and to make the State free of drugs, the Range Forest Officer said poppy plantations have been found inside notified forest areas, which is a clear violation of the rules and regulations that protect forest areas.
As per Indian Forests Act, 1927 and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, breaking up of land for non forestry purposes in forest areas amounts to trespassing and encroachment into protected land.
As such, any person found to have committed such illegal activities is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months with fine, the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division, Ganesh, has warned that stem legal action will be taken against those found indulging in the illegal cultivation of poppy.
The village chiefs, under whose jurisdiction the illegal plantations are found, will also be dealt with severely as per law, he said.
While poppy in the form of drugs affects the society, its cultivation is also a serious threat to the environment.
It also poses serious health hazards to those living in the surrounding areas.
He appealed to the public to refrain from indulging in such illegal activity and help the Government in its effort curb poppy cultivation and drug menace.
"It is our collective and individual responsibility to look after, protect and preserve the environment," he said.