A district-level awareness and discussion programme on “Role of Youths in Forest Fire Preparedness and Management” was organised by the Chandel Forest Division in Liwa Khullen Village Community Hall on Sunday, where participation was made by approximately 120 youths, students and villagers from nearly 10 villages.
DFO Chandel Dr N. Munal Meitei graced the function as chief guest, while Liwa Khullen village King T.S. Warkhudin Michel Monsang chaired the programme. Range Forest Officer Ningthoujam Deepa was guest of honour and Honorary Wildlife Warden Pashel Ngamnung was resource person for the programme. Also, around 100 saplings were planted during the function.
Dr Munal pointed out that forest fires are a serious menace to forests and biological diversity, and human beings play a vital role in this regard. “According to the Forest Survey of India, 413 incidences of forest fires occurred in Chandel in 2026, whereas the loss of 230 sq km forest area occurred due to fires from 2010 to 2025,” he added.
“Forest area constitutes 86.84 per cent of geographical area of Chandel, whereas 48 per cent forest area is vulnerable to forest fires,” he mentioned. Uncontrolled burning, vegetation clearing, poppy cultivation and burning of grass and shrubs were listed
Dr Munal urged youths, village authorities, civil society organisations and Meira Paibis to work with the Forest Department in preventing forest fires, stressing that forest conservation is a collective responsibility.