Hills at New Keithelmanbi disappearing
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2017:
Climate change is a matter of grave concern across the globe these days yet in contrast, the hill areas around New Keithelmanbi are disappearing causing a threat to the ecological balance of the entire region.
This reporter who went to enquire saw the gross destruction on the ground, in which some of the hilly corners were entirely flattened to the ground level with no regards whatsoever to environmental consequences .
Incidentally, the area is located close to Keithelmanbi Police Outpost and Forest Department and the excavators and tipper trucks would nonchalantly pass through the gates manned by officials of the Police and Forest Departments .
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There are also neither records nor reports of authorities of the Bishnupur and Kangpokpi Forest Divisions, under which the area falls, prohibiting the land excavation.
Upon inquiry, an official of the Forest Department replied that the area of excavation is an unclassed forest area but the answer was ambiguous when asked about the permit regarding such destruction of land .
Further the official refused to give a univocal statement on the matter.
When insisted, he responded that the department had prohibited the excavation earlier and even reported to the police.
It has been found that the excavation, along with the transportation of stones and earth from the higher region of the hills, have also fractured the Imphal-Jiri road in some parts of the area.