Encroachment
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 24 2016 : Agriculture and horticulture crops have been found planted in areas allotted by Forest Department within reserved forest areas for mulberry plantation under sericulture project.

A high ranking official of Forest Department informed that certain areas allotted for mulberry plantation within Nongmaiching, Heingang and Langol reserved forest areas have been found misused.

A team of Forest Department officials led by the PCCF recently inspected the areas allotted for mulberry plantation but Chowkidars and attendants looking after these areas were found cultivating agriculture and horticulture crops extensively.

Many of them were also found rearing cattle.

Nonetheless, Forest Department has started hacking down plants other than mulberry plants planted at these areas.

The department has also asked the Chowkidars and the attendants to remove the agriculture and horticulture crops they have been cultivating.

If they have fail to act accordingly, the department would take up necessary action, said the source.

It looks like Chowkidars and attendants have been using reserved forest areas as their private properties.

The department asked all concerned to dismantle structures built within reserved forest areas under sericulture project but the department was requested to give some time, added the source.

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