DFO Central Forest Division clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31 2025: In regard to the widespread newspaper reporting on excavation of hill earth from the hills along Tinsid Road and other adjoining areas, the DFO Central Forest Division has clarified that the existing road does not fall in the jurisdiction of Forest Department and excavation work along the right-of-way appears to be an attempt to lower down the existing road to facilitate better commutation by public.

In a release, the DFO informed that the illegal hill earth excavation reported at other places in and around the Chingkheiching and Nongmaiching Reserved Forests have already been taken cognizance by the officials of Central Forest Division and appropriate action including filing of Preliminary Offence Report (POR) and investigation as provided under the Indian Forest Act and Manipur Forest Rules are in progress.

The Forest Department appreciated the concern raised by the public and sought support from all people inhabiting in the areas surrounding these Reserved Forests to keep strict vigil and not to allow any illegal activities in their neighbourhood for the cause of conservation of invaluable resources.

The Department also reminded that the Reserved & Protected Forests are National properties and their protection and conservation is monitored by the Apex Court and governed by various laws like Indian Forest Act, 1927, Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Wildlife Protection Act, etc.

"Moreover, it is the Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and conserve forest & wildlife as enshrined in constitution", it concluded.

Comment