Strict ban on hunting of wildlife notified
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2025: In view of the ongoing migratory bird season and to strictly enforce the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Government has prohibited hunting, sale and trade of wildlife and wildlife articles in the Central Forest Division, which covers Imphal and adjoining areas.

An order issued by Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Vikram Suresh Nadhe stated that hunting or killing of wild animals listed under Schedules I to IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is strictly prohibited, except with special permission from the competent authority.

Any person found violating the prohibition will face legal action, including arrest, seizure of materials and prosecution under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it said.

The order also banned trade or commerce of wild animals, animal articles, trophies, uncured trophies or meat derived from scheduled animals.

Citing provisions of the Act, it stated that Forest officers are empowered to search, seize and arrest without warrant any person found committing an offence under the Act.

Contravention of the Act is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or a fine up to Rs 25,000, or both, the order said.

For offences involving Schedule I animals,' the punishment is imprisonment for not less than three years, extendable to seven years, with a fine of not less than Rs 10,000 .

Such offences are cognizable and non-bailable, it added.

The order appealed to the public to report any instance of wildlife hunting, trade or possession of wildlife articles to the nearest Range Forest Officer, the Divisional Forest Officer of Central Forest Division, or through the control room number 6909622773 .

The identity of informants will be kept confidential, it said.

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