Forest Dept seeks help from all to curb forest fire in the State
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 27 2021:
Forest Department, Manipur said that the sudden surge of incidences of forest fire in the State has become a major cause of concern for the Department in particular and the general public in general.
In a memorandum issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force stated that almost all the forest fires in the State are man made either intentional or accidental.
Fire wood collection, NTFP collection, charcoal making, burning of forest for hunting, cultivation of illegal poppy plantation, revenge for taking up eviction process etc are main causes of man made forest fires.
It further stated that forests are public properties upon which survival of mankind depends.
Damage to forest by setting fire is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years with fine under the Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 coupled with relevant sections of IPC and also under the provision of Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Manipur Forest Rules, 1971.Emphasizing on the various harmful effects of forest fire on mankind and natural environment, Forest Department Manipur appealed to all sections of the society including CSOs, voluntary agencies, youths, students etc to render their assistance in prevention, control and extinguish fire in the forest as forest free from forest fire can be achieved only with the participation of each and every citizen.