The Forest Department, Government of Manipur, in presence of Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force signed two significant MoUs with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) today for strengthening the protection & communication network across forest revenue stations and preventing forest & wildlife offences in the State, which may eventually lead to enhancement in revenue collection. The MoUs were signed by senior officials of the Forest Department, BSNL and AAI at a simple ceremony held at Forest Head Quarters, Sanjenthong, Imphal. The ceremony was attended by R.K. Amarjit Singh, Conservator of Forests (Central Circle); B.S. Sharma, General Manager, BSNL; ChipemmiKeishing, Director (AAI); Amit Kaler, DCF; Vikram Nadhe, DFO (Central Forest Division); Sharatchandra Meitei, DGM (BSNL); M. Sanjeev Singh, Sub-divisional Engineer (BSNL) and Sandeep Yadav, HoD (Commercials), AAI.
The collaboration with BSNL marks a significant step towards modernizing forest administration through resilient, secure, and high-speed communication networks.Under the MoU titled “Networking & Communication Infrastructure for Forest Revenue Stations of Manipur”, BSNL in close coordination with Forest Department, will design, deploy and maintain advanced networking solutions to enhance digital access and streamline departmental operations. This initiative aims to ensure seamless data transmission, real-time reporting, improved coordination, and effective monitoring of movement of forest resources across the State.Key Objectives of the MoU with BSNL include Infrastructure Deployment through Optical Fibre cable (OFC)/ UBR/DMW for Divisional HQs, Range Offices and Beat Offices, Surveillance & Monitoring through GPS –enabled mobile devices for frontline staff, IP-based CCTV, ANPR Cameras, Trap Cameras at strategic forest check posts, Drone Units for aerial surveillance and setting up of Central Command & Control Centre(4Cs) at Forest Headquarters. The project will be implemented in phase manner and is expected to be completed in 3 years.
Further, the agreement with AAI is for opening of an office at Imphal International Airport to support the seamless coordination of activities to strengthen environmental governance, wildlife protection, and forest-related regulatory functions and preventing illegal trafficking of forest & wildlife articles at one of the busiest gateways of the State connecting to other States and South-East Asian countries. The office is expected to become operational soon following setting up of necessary infrastructural arrangements. The partnership underscores the collective commitment of the Government of Manipur and AAI toward sustainable development and robust forest & wildlife governance.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests &HoFF thanked both organization for coming forth for protection and conservation of forest & environment andstated that partnership with BSNL will greatly enhance the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of our field operations. Reliable connectivity is critical for forest protection, revenue enhancement and monitoring of Forest Produce Movement. And such initiative will be a first of its kind in the State of Manipur.
General Manager, BSNLhighlighted their commitment to support Government Departments with robust and secure communication solutions and contribute to the digital strengthening of Manipur’s forest administration through this strategic collaboration.
Director (AAI) emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in aviation infrastructure and mentioned that AAI is committed to support sustainable practices across all its airports. This partnership with the Forest Department reinforces our dedication to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.