7-10 acres of poppy plantation razed to the ground DFO strongly warns cultivators
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, November 03 2022: The Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi has strongly warned of stern action against those indulging in poppy cultivation in the Reserve Forest area as the Forest Department and district police destroyed about 7-10 acres of poppy cultivation under Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi Reserve Forest (KKRF) today.

According to the Range Forest Officer/Headquarters, Kangpokpi Forest Division, Neitinkim a combined team of Kangpokpi Forest Division and district police led by Range Forest Officer, Motbung Range, in continuation of the Government's effort on "War on Drugs" trekked the Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi Reserve Forest hill ranges today to check for any encroachment and illegal poppy cultivation.

She continued that the team came across areas with illegal poppy cultivation measuring about 7-10 acres and promptly destroyed it while adding that the Range Forest Officer has concerned already begun the process to lodge an FIR.

7-10 acres of poppy plantation razed to the ground DFO strongly warns cultivators

The Range Forest Officer/HQ, Kangpokpi Forest Division also said that the Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi Reserve Forest was notified as Reserved Forest vide order No.55/10/68-M dated 3rd July 1968 of the Secretariat Forest Branch, Government of Manipur.

The Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division, N Ganesh warned the fringe villages of KKRF that stern action will be taken up against those who indulge in poppy cultivation in Reserve Forest areas.

He also stated that an investigation will be initiated by the division in coordination with police and NAB and the culprits will be booked under both Indian Forest Act 1927 and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 .

While lauding the Forest staff for their vigil on the Reserved Forests, the DFO also said that real time monitoring of Reserved Forests based on Satellite Imagery every fortnight is the need of the hour, given the vast tracts of Forest Lands and poor Forest staff strength.

The DFO reiterated that as per Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, trespassing, making fresh clearings, and tilling land for cultivation or other purposes inside a Reserved Forest are prohibited and as such, any person found to have committed such illegal activities shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both, in addition to such compensation for damage done to the forest as the convicting Court may direct to pay.

The DFO then appealed to the public to refrain from trespassing and committing any offense inside the Reserved Forest and come forward to help identify those responsible for such heinous activities.