Illicit poppy cultivation in Manipur
A growing threat to environment, governance, and National security

Mutum Inaobi Singh *

Poppy plantation destroyed at Chandel on 17 Feb 2015 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Despite repeated efforts by law enforcement agencies, the problem of illicit poppy cultivation in Mani-pur continues to remain widespread, posing serious threats to the environment, public health, and National security. The situation demands urgent intervention backed by political will, transparency, and long-term strategy.

According to a satellite imagery-based report by the Manipur Remote Sensing Application Center (MAR-SAC), conducted between September 2023 and January 2024, Manipur currently has an estimated 11,288 acres of poppy cultivation across 141 clusters in the hill districts. Disturbingly, Noney District which was not on the poppy cultivation map few years back has now joined the list.

Various satellite images have indicated that more and more poppy fields have been strategically relocated to remote forested and mountainous terrains, making detection and eradication increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies.

This rapid expansion has resulted in unprecedented environmental degradation. As per the Indian State of Forest Reports (ISFR) 2019, 2021 and 2023, Manipur lost 883.30 sq. km. of forest cover between 1987 and 2022.

Alarmingly, 810.30 sq. km. about 91% of this loss occurred in just the last six years, coinciding with the intensification of poppy cultivation. This has clearly indicated that mass deforestation for illicit poppy cultivation has direct link with unprecedented forest cover loss in Manipur.

In light of this crisis, the Safe Environment Campaign Committee (SECC), Heingang, conducted an independent survey during 2020–2021 to assess the root causes and implications of this illegal practice. Findings were submitted in two separate representations—dated 10th February 2021 and 3rd January 2022—to relevant Central and State authorities, including the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Manipur.

Regrettably, no concrete action followed. Consequently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Honourable High Court of Manipur on 25th March 2022. The Court delivered its judgment on 18th February 2025, directing the State Authority to consider constituting a High-Level Committee to monitor the actions taken to eradicate poppy cultivation.

However, several structural and operational cha- llenges must be addressed before any eradication initiative can be genuinely effective. Ground reports and surveys reveal the following key issues:

Lack of Transparency in Eradication Drives : Official figures on poppy destruction often differ from ground-level observations. The absence of media coverage during such drives raises questions about the credibility and accountability of the operations.

Corruption and Collusion : There are reports of corrupt practices during eradication drives are found. In many instances, only harvested fields or small sections are destroyed, leaving large-scale plantations intact.

Difficult Terrain and Accessibility Issues : The relo- cation of farms to rugged, remote regions ham- pers eradication efforts, rendering many areas prac- tically inaccessible to authorities.

Economic Incentives: With opium poppy being nearly 15 times more profitable than conventional crops, farmers are reluctant to transition to alternative livelihoods, even when such schemes are offered.

Cross-Border Drug Trade : The porous Indo-Myanmar border facilitates the movement of narcotics and migrant laborers involved in cultivation, com- plicating enforcement and surveillance.

Weak Governance and Political Apathy: Despite numerous FIRs, no significant arrests or convictions of major offenders have taken place. A lack of political will, ineffective governance, and widespread corruption have allowed this illicit trade to flourish.

Inadequate Enforcement of the NDPS Act: Until 2020, no arrests were made under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. While some arrests have since occurred, no convictions have been recorded, undermining the Act’s deterrent impact.

Policy Inconsistency and Lack of Vision: Eradication drives remain sporadic and largely symbolic. There is a glaring absence of data on farmers transitioning to legitimate livelihoods.

Insurgent-Village Chief-Drug Cartel Nexus: Reports indicate that armed militants operating in the hill districts levy taxes on poppy farmers and, in return, provide them protection. Additionally, it has been observed that, in many cases, village chiefs in the hill districts act as key figures in orchestrating and sustaining the entire network of illegal poppy culti- vation and related activities.

Lack of Monitoring Mechanisms : There is no independent oversight of eradication drives. This allows corrupt practices to persist, and illegal cultivation continues across all hill districts.

Absence of Land Ownership Records : In areas without formal land titles, prosecution under the NDPS Act becomes ineffective, as most arrested individuals obtain bail due to lack of evidence.

Failure to Enforce Environmental Laws : The Manipur Forest Department’s neglect in applying statutory forest management plans has resulted in severe environmental degradation, in direct violation of Article 48A of the Constitution, which mandates the state to protect forests and wildlife.

An Urgent Appeal for Action

The unchecked spread of poppy cultivation has led to irreversible ecological damage, contributed to the drug crisis among youth, and severely undermined the rule of law in Manipur. This is not merely a regional issue—it is a National con- cern that requires immediate, multi-tiered inter- vention.

We, urgently appeal to the Honourable Governor of Manipur to initiate decisive action, including:

Constitute a High Level Monitoring Committee to ensure continuous, year-round oversight of all anti- poppy cultivation measures, including eradication drives, legal enforcement, and other initiatives, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and sustained action.

Ensuring strict enforcement of the NDPS Act and prosecution of key offenders; Enhancing surveillance using satellite and drone technologies; Curbing the nexus between insurgents, village chiefs, and drug cartels.

The time for symbolic gestures has passed. The future of Manipur’s environment and security depends on meaningful and sustained action.