The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, in collaboration with the Manipur Fire Service Department, conducted a forest fire mock drill today at forest areas adjoining Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages to create awareness on forest fire prevention and safety measures.
The drill was led by N. Deepa, Range Forest Officer, Chandel, and Kamei Dany Rongmei, OC, Fire Service, Chandel, with participation from villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and Forest Department staff.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Munal Meitei, DFO, Chandel, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of forests to fire and its adverse impact on biodiversity, medicinal plants, wildlife habitats and water resources. He informed that 413 forest fire incidents were reported in Chandel district in 2026, while approximately 230 sq. km. of forest area was lost to forest fires between 2010 and 2025, as per Forest Survey of India reports.
He identified uncontrolled burning, agricultural field burning and poppy cultivation-related activities as major causes of forest fires and stressed the need for collective efforts in preventing such incidents.
Dr. Munal further informed that similar mock drills would be conducted in Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions. He appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, students, Meira Paibis and the general public to actively participate in protecting forests and preventing forest fires.
