CCF calls for efficient land use to save forests
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, July 03 2025: Against the backdrop of the alarming shrinkage of forest covers in the state, chief conservator of forests (CCF) Gaithaolu Thaimei has called for optimising land use and maximising plantation activities to reverse the scenario.

"We must optimise land use.

Traditionally, land is demarcated for settlements, 'uyok', catchment areas, and income-generating activities.

Proper micro-level land planning is essential, including for jhum land which requires viable agroforestry models," stated CCF Gaithaolu while addressing as chief guest at the 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 celebration at Ilongshim, Hungpung, here on Thursday.

CCF calls for efficient land use to save forests

She noted that there is an urgent need for more forest-centric policies to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community development in order to expand forest covers and urged all stakeholders, particularly students and youth, to collaborate with the Ukhrul Forest Division to plant as many seedlings as possible, making Van Mahotsav and 'Ed Ped Maa Ke Naam' successful.

Toward promoting nature tourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism in the district, she encouraged activities such as camping, trekking, rock climbing, river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and wildlife sighting.

"Developing this type of tourism in a structured manner will enhance taxi services, helicopter services, ropeways, homestays, eco-lodges, and local hospitality," she noted, adding that the same could open up new opportunities for employment, promotion of arts and crafts, cultural heritage, and to attract national and global investors.

According to Gaithaolu, Manipur's economy is forest-based, with much of the economic development stemming from forest products.

Timber is used for furniture and construction, and as raw materials for veneer and plywood, sourced from species like teak, kheu, and pine.

Bamboo is a viable alternative to timber.

Citing an FSI report, she said that 751,000 hectares are covered by bamboo, contributing a green weight of 11.32 MT.

"We can also develop essential oil products like citronella and lemongrass for cosmetics, as well as food-based products such as wild fruit juices and spices.

In Manipur, 200 VDVKs benefit around 60,000 people, impacting 300,000 lives.

In Ukhrul alone, 27 VDVKs support 8,100 beneficiaries, affecting 40,500 lives".

She added, "To harness these potentials, we need MSMEs in forest-based industries to integrate into the supply chain on both national and international levels.

Additionally, we must enhance raw material supply through scientific plantation methods" .

The event, organised by the Ukhrul District Forest Division under the theme "Plant Trees, Save Trees - Lend A Hand To Make Our Manipur Greener", also had the presence of Brand Ambassadors of the celebration, Miss Esme S Shaiza and Miss Disti Athokpam Devi - the reigning queen and first runner-up of Miss Shirui Lily 2025.The celebration was also attended by Ukhrul DC Asish Das and DFO Laishram Gitla as guest of honour and functional president.

DC Asish Das encouraged the people of Ukhrul to plant and protect trees to make Manipur greener.

"This celebration serves as a poignant reminder of nature's invaluable gifts and the challenges we face, including deforestation and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable conservation," he added.

DFO Gitla exhorted the participants as the true custodians of forests and the heartbeat of the conservation efforts, acknowledging their active participation.

"This year's theme, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' - Plant a tree in the name of our beloved mother, alive or deceased -resonates deeply with our cultural values, revering the earth as Mother Earth, a life-giver and nurturer," she remarked.

The DFO explained that just as a mother cares for her children, trees nurture the planet, providing oxygen, clean air, and a stable ecosystem, adding that this year's focus is not only on planting trees but on nurturing them for their survival and growth.

"Let us use this Van Mahot-sav to reaffirm our commitment to Mother Nature and pledge to plant more trees, protect existing forests, and raise awareness about their critical role in our lives," Gitla pleaded.

On the occasion, a plantation initiative for the development of MIYAWAKI (Micro Forest) was undertaken at Hungpung Vashimtang, during which around 2,000 seedlings of indigenous timber, fruit, and ornamental species including wild olive, lemon, jackfruit, gulmohar, wild apple, 'tairen', 'uyung', 'yongchak', gooseberry, Thuja compacta, and 'tolhao' were planted.

Representatives from the district administration, line departments and CSOs also attended the celebration.