IT News
Kangpokpi, August 26:
In continuation of the Government’s effort on “War on drugs” and consolidation of boundaries of Government Forest Land, and as instructed by the Chief Minister, a combined team of Kangpokpi Forest Division and Kangpokpi District Police lead by Range Forest Officer, Motbung Range and Kangpokpi Range trekked the Koubru Hill Ranges under Kanglatongbi Kangpokpi Reserved Forest to check for encroachments and illegal poppy cultivation on Thursday. The team comprising of 45 Forest and Police personals, came across illegally erected structures numbering to around 10(ten) huts which were removed and destroyed on the spot. There were evidences of breaking up of land for cultivation/ farming. It may be mentioned here that these areas were fields of illegal poppy cultivation from last year.
Kanglatongbi Kangpokpi Reserved Forest was notified as Reserved Forestvide order No.55/10/68-M dated 3rd July 1968 of the Secretariat –Forest Branch, Government of Manipur.As per Section 26 of Indian Forest Act, 1927,trespassing, making fresh clearings, breaking up of land for cultivation or other purposes inside a Reserved are prohibited. Any person found to have committed such illegal activities shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both, in addition to such compensation for damage done to the forest as the convicting Court may direct to be paid .
The Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division lauded the efforts of the teamwho trekked for four hours into the hills to carry out their duties. He extends his gratitude to Kangpokpi District Police for their valuable cooperation and is thankful to the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi District for her considerations and support for the cause.
In spite of many appeals and warnings issued earlier in this regards, the DFO said no heed was paid . Thus as stated, such action are being taken up to deter encroachers. FIRs will be filed and similar actions will be taken up againstencroachers .He reiterated that such encroachments are clear violation of acts, rules and regulations framed by Centre as well as the State government for conservation and protection of precious forest areas of the State,the greenery of which has been dwindling recently mostly due to illegal encroachment and illegal poppy cultivation.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division has appealed to the public to help the Government in identifying such culprits and contribute in efforts for conservation of the Forest of the State.
