The Manipur Forest Department observed its 95th Foundation Day at the Forest Headquarters, Imphal, with a renewed call for technology-driven conservation, transparent governance and greater community participation in protecting the State’s forest resources.
The programme brought together serving and retired forest officers, frontline personnel and officials, both physically and through virtual participation, to reflect on the Department’s journey and its contributions to forest conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
A presentation tracing the Department’s historical evolution, achievements and changing responsibilities highlighted its work in forest management, afforestation, wildlife conservation, ecosystem restoration and community engagement. It also showcased the adoption of modern technologies, including GPS, GIS, remote sensing, drones, digital forest monitoring systems and Artificial Intelligence-enabled tools such as FRAMS to strengthen planning, surveillance and decision-making.
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers Bala Prasad, K. Thambou Singh, K. Jagdishwor Singh and Th. Mohendro Pratap Singh shared their experiences and recollections, highlighting the challenges faced by the Department over the decades and the evolution of forestry practices in Manipur. Their participation also underscored the importance of institutional knowledge and intergenerational experience in strengthening forest management.
Addressing the gathering, Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), acknowledged the commitment and sacrifices of forest personnel working under challenging field conditions. He called for a combination of the experience and wisdom of senior officers with the energy, innovation and technological capabilities of younger officers to address emerging challenges, including forest fires, forest degradation, illegal poppy cultivation, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Bajpai stressed that technology should not remain merely a symbol of modernisation but must translate into better conservation, greater transparency and more effective governance.
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of young officers, both men and women, he urged them to take bold initiatives, deliver tangible results at the field level and develop innovative solutions. He encouraged them to embrace technology, move beyond routine administrative work and take ownership of the forests entrusted to them.
He also observed that effective leadership in forestry required more than issuing directions, stressing the importance of field presence, empowering teams, timely decision-making, accountability and the ability to inspire confidence.
Emphasising the need for a people-centric approach, the PCCF & HoFF said the Forest Department must contribute to sustainable livelihoods, food security, water security and employment, recognising the close relationship between forests, community livelihoods and customary institutions.
He maintained that conservation could not succeed through enforcement alone but required trust, public participation and shared responsibility.
With the Department set to complete 100 years in 2031, the 95th Foundation Day marks the beginning of a five-year preparatory period towards its centenary. The Department has identified technology-driven forest management, restoration of degraded ecosystems, protection of Manipur’s biodiversity, stronger community participation and institutional capacity-building as key priorities.
