Govt allots Keibul Lamjao land to private parties on the sly
Annul allotment order, says Forest Dept
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2011: Large swathes of Keibul Lamjao National Park have been allotted to 14 private individuals by the SPF Government.

It is reported that the Forest Department has decided to file a complaint with the Central Powered Committee of the Supreme and the High Power Committee in case the Government does not annul the allotment order at the earliest.

A high placed source informed The Sangai Express that the Government allotted 2.50 acres of land to each of the 14 individuals on the northern side of the park between 2010 and 2011 .

It is also possible that the Government has allotted parts of the reserved land to other private parties in other directions of the national park.

Pattas for the lands allotted to private individuals were issued by the SDC Moirang.

In the meantime, Forest Department has asked the Government to cancel the land allotment orders.

The only floating island in world, Keibul Lamjao National Park which is in the eye of a storm

Names of the new land owners and details of their pattas issued by Moirang SDC are Laishram Thambal (Dag No 1001/10068; dated 6/4/2010), Laishram Bira (Dag No 1001/10066; dated 11/2/2010), Ningthoujam Sanahongba (Dag No 1001/10062; dated 24/9/2011), Haojam Manihar (Dag No 1001/10061; dated 24/9/2011), Ningthoujam Gandamla (Dag No 1001/10057; dated 24/9/2011), Salam Yaima (Dag No 1001/10059; dated 24/9/2011), Salam Ibomcha (Dag No 1001/10058; dated 24/9/2011), Salam Babuyaima (Dag No 1001/10066; dated 24/9/2011), Laishram Biren (Dag No 1001/10064; dated 3/9/2010), Oinam Maheshwar (Dag No 1001/10033; dated 9/4/2010), Moirangthem Yaima (Dag No 1001/10034; dated 13/5/2010), Laishram (O) Rani (Dag No 1001/10065; dated 3/9/2010), Moirangthem Loken (Dag No 1001/10034; dated 13/5/2010) and Moirangthem Khomba (Dag No 10026; dated 30/1/2010) .

Subsequently the Forest Department informed the Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) on November 16 about the allotment of reserved land inside the National Park to private individuals.

In a written representation submitted by the Forest Department, it was pointed that the allotment of land inside Keibul Lamjao National Park was in defiance of the Supreme Court order dated 28/3/2008 and that officials involved in the scandalous dealing are punishable under Forest (Conservation) Act.

The Forest Department has also asked the Revenue Commissioner to cancel the pattas.

It has also written to the Bishnupur DC to take up necessary action.

In case the allotment order is not revoked, Forest Department would file a complaint with the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court as well as the High Power Committee.