Illegal structures on Koubru hill destroyed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 25 2022:
Continuing the efforts of 'War on drugs' and consolidation of boundaries of government forest land, a combined team of Kangpokpi Forest Division and Kangpokpi District Police led by Range Forest Officer, Motbung and Kangpokpi on Thursday trekked the Koubru hill ranges under Kanglatongbi - Kangpokpi Reserved Forest to check for encroachments and illegal poppy cultivation following the instruction by the chief minister.
The team comprising 45 forest and police personnel came across illegally erected structures numbering around 10 huts which were removed and destroyed on the spot.
There were also evidences of tilling for cultivation/farming.
It may be mentioned here that these areas were fields for illegal poppy cultivation from last year.
A press communique issued by Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi N Ganesh lauded the efforts of the team who trekked for four hours in the hills to carry out their duties and to Kangpokpi District Police for their valuable cooperation.
In spite of many appeals and warnings issued earlier in this regard, no heed was paid, he stated, while adding that such actions are being taken up to deter encroachers.
FIRs will be filed and similar actions will be taken up against encroachers, he said.
The officer reiterated that such encroachments are clear violation of Acts, rules and regulations framed by the centre as well as the state government for conservation and protection of precious forest areas of the state, the greenery of which has been dwindling recently mostly due to illegal encroachment and illegal poppy cultivation.
He appealed to the public to help the government in identifying the culprits and contribute in the efforts for conservation of forest.