MoU inked
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2026: The Central Forest Division, Forest Department, Government of Manipur, and The Indian Orient 2025, a Manipur-based non-profit organisation, signed an MoU on October 30 to undertake a five-year pilot phase of ReTreeFyProject Manipur.

A press release issued by Divisional Forest Officer (DFP) of Central Forest Division said that the initiative aims to revive diminishing freshwater sources, restore degraded forest catchments and strengthen long-term ecological and water security in Imphal.

The MoU was signed in the presence of PCCF & HoFF and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai.

Anurag Bajpai emphasised that the initiative must be community-led, with local communities involved from the planning stage.

Ajay Chanam of The Indian Orient 2025 highlighted the need to address the deterioration of springs and freshwater systems caused by forest and catchment degradation, changes in groundwater recharge, increased runoff, flooding and seasonal water scarcity.

The five-year programme will focus on the scientific identification, protection and restoration of critical springsheds that sustain the Imphal valley.

Key activities will include inventory and GIS mapping of springs and catchments; hydrogeological assessments of recharge zones and spring discharge; soil and water conservation measures, including contour trenches and bunds; riparian afforestation and plantation of native species; and periodic scientific monitoring of water resources and ecological outcomes, it said.

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