Green drive positively impacts Waithou PF
Source: The Sangai Express / Moirangthem Khagemba

Imphal, September 19 2026: People living around Waithou Protected Forest have reported noticeable improvements in the local environment following the eviction of encroachers and subsequent afforestation across seven hectares of the forest area.

N Rojesh, a resident of Waithou, told The Sangai Express that water retention in the forest area has also increased following the afforestation.

He said the increase in green cover and the emergence of new patches of vegetation have contributed to cleaner and fresher air in the area, while making the surroundings cooler and more pleasant.

Green drive positively impacts Waithou PF

Rojesh also stressed the need for continued afforestation and regular main- tenance of the plantation area, saying that expanding forest cover would benefit both the local community and the environment.

He appealed to the relevant authorities and local communities to work together to protect the Waithou Protected Forest and prevent activities that could damage the newly restored green cover.

Some drivers who routinely travel along Imphal- Moreh Road (National Highway-102) also said they feel calm and relaxed when they reach the foothill areas of Waithou, attributing it to the fresh air and improved surroundings.

Saying that the situation was not the same about five years ago, they added that many young people now regularly visit the area because of its pleasant landscape and fresh air.

They said the improvements in the local environment are largely the result of the afforestation efforts and suggested planting more trees in the vacant areas of Waithou Hill.

Dinesh Chandra Salam, former DFO of Thoubal Forest Range, said that 69 houses illegally constructed within the Waithou Protected Forest area were evicted on June 12, 2022 .

Following the eviction, the Forest Department planted thousands of saplings of various tree species across around seven hectares of the forest area after properly fencing the site, he added.

Saying that most of the trees have started bearing fruits, attracting birds and providing habitat for reptiles, he expressed optimism that Waithou Hill would become more ecologically vibrant in the near future.

He said the revival of Waithou Hill has been possible due to the efforts of the Forest Department and the cooperation of local villagers.

Dinesh further said that the Waithou Protected Forest plays a key role in protecting Waithou Pat and Ushoipokpi Pat, underscoring the need to preserve the forest ecosystem.

The forest area of Manipur is 17,418 sq km, accounting for 74.7 percent of the State's total geographical area.

The area classified as protected forest is 4,171.70 sq km, while reserved forests account for 984.26 sq km.

Protected Area Network, including sanctuaries and National Parks cover 32.02 sq km, while unclassified forest areas account for 11,130.73 sq km .

Manipur has 36 Reserved Forests and 22 Protected Forests recognised by Manipur State Durbar under Indian Forest Act, 1927 .

Many experts have said that forest cover has dwindled in several parts of Manipur due to rampant deforestation.

They said that the impact of climate change could be reduced if people become more aware of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving forest cover.

This report is written as part of the 7th State-Level Media Fellowship Programme on Climate Change, organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.