Youths urged to play key role in forest fire prevention
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, August 12 2026: A one-day outreach programme on "Role of Youths in Forest Fire Preparedness & Management" was organised at Liwa Khullen Village Community Hall, Chandel, on Monday by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel.

Around 120 youths from 10 villages of the district participated in the programme aimed at creating awareness on forest fire prevention, preparedness and management.

DFO Chandel Dr N Munal Meitei attended the programme as chief guest, while Liwa Khullen village chief S Warkhudin Michel Monsang presided.

Range Forest Officer Chandel Ningthoujam Deepa attended as guest of honour and Honorary Wildlife Warden, Chandel, Pashel Ngamnung, was the resource person.

The programme began with the plantation of around 100 fruit and flower-bearing saplings.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Munal Meitei described forests as the lifeline of human beings and said forest fires were among the major threats causing destruction of forests and their valuable resources.

He noted that medicinal plants and orchids native to the region are also being lost due to forest fires.

He said around 25.17 per cent of India's geographical area is covered by forests, of which nearly 45 per cent is vulnerable to forest fires.

This, he said, poses a significant challenge to the National Forest Policy's target of increasing forest cover to 33 per cent.

Regarding Manipur, Dr Munal said around 76.40 per cent of the State's geographical area is covered by forests.

Citing a Forest Survey of India report, he said nearly 48 per cent of Manipur's forest area is prone to frequent forest fires, resulting in considerable damage to forest resources every year.

He identified careless burning, jhum cultivation, poppy cultivation and improper disposal of cigarette butts among the major causes of forest fires.

He also said the tropical moist deciduous forests of Chandel, along with the presence of pine trees, make several areas vulnerable to fire.

Dr Munal said the awareness programme was organised to sensitise youths, who constitute a significant section of the population, about their role in preventing and responding to forest fires.

He further said afforestation and protection of forests have become major challenges and stressed the need for collective efforts by civil society organisations, village authorities, youths and Meira Paibis.

Appealing to the gathering, Dr Munal urged all sections of society to work together to check forest degradation, prevent forest fires and protect the State's valuable forest ecosystem.

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