Govt poised to enforce Paddy Land Act: Shyam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2018: As decided at a meeting of officials concerned, the Manipur Conservation of Paddy land and Wetland Act 2014 would be enforced with immediate effect and necessary measures have been already taken up, stated Revenue Minister Karam Shyam.

Speaking to media persons at his Secretariat office this afternoon, Karam Shyam said that protection of agricultural lands demands active cooperation of the public as the Government alone cannot protect paddy fields.

He said that a joint meeting of the Revenue Secretary, DCs of the six valley districts and the Agriculture Director was held today.

The meeting agreed that Agriculture Department would submit reports to the DCs on the diminishing land of paddy fields.

If anyone is found defying the Act, a Sub-Inspector can pull up the defaulter, Shyam said.

He informed that the State's total area under agriculture and horticulture is 1.97 lakh hectares.

Revenue Secretary Yumnam Rajen said that the Manipur Conservation of Paddy land and Wetland Act 2014 allows conversion of reclamation of paddy fields only for two reasons.

When the owner has no other land for construction of house, he/she may convert 0.20 acre (rural) and 0.10 (urban) of the paddy field into homestead.

But the house cannot be leased out nor can it be used for other purpose than dwelling.

Paddy field can be used for public utility too.

There are local level monitoring committee, district level monitoring committee and State level monitoring committee to monitor use of paddy fields for purposes other than paddy and other agricultural crops.

Fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs two lakh or imprisonment for 3 to 5 years or both can be slapped on any one who defies the Manipur Conservation of Paddyland and Wetland Act 2014, Rajen added.

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