Reforestation drives begin at Gwarok and Thongam Mondum
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, August 31 2020: In a bid to help restore the former self of reserve forests, DFO of Thoubal Forest Division has initiated reforestation drives at areas of Gwarok and Thongam Mondum Reserve Forests where illegal slashing and quarrying activities of hill/forest soil were carried out earlier.

Reforestation drives at both the areas was started yesterday by respective beat officers under the supervision of DFO of Thoubal Forest Division.

Beat Officer of Yairipok, M Biren kick-started the campaign by planting trees at Uyal Cheirao Ching yesterday in the presence of staff of Thoubal Forest Range; Wildlife Warden, W Ramchandra and members of Joint Forest Management Committee, Uyal.

Speaking to media persons, M Biren stated that the plantation exercise will surely help in curbing illegal soil quarrying by some organised group, which has led the area to lose its ecological balance.

The planted saplings were also fenced during the drive to ensure safety of the plants.

"The plantation drive at Uyal Cheirao Ching is just the beginning and it will be extended at areas under the Thoubal Forest Range," Biren said.

Thoubal District Forest personnel had removed houses and structures built on encroached land of Gwarok Reserved Forest on August 29 in Bengi area, he said while adding that plantation and fencing work be done at the said area.

Meanwhile the reforestation drive at Thongam Mondum Reserve Forest areas was led by Waikhong Beat Officer, N Brojen.

During the drive which was participated by staff of the Forest Department, N Brojen said that there has been a tremendous rise of cases of illegal slashing and quarrying of forest soil amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The drive was conducted to put a hold on these activities and help restore the lost areas, he said.

The drive will also help the area bring back its environmental balance, he continued and further asserted that similar drive will be carried out at deteriorated and vulnerable places under the Thongam Mondum Reserve Forest.

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