Forest Dept bans camping, trekking in Langol and Punshilok Forests

The Government of Manipur’s Forest Department has issued a strict order prohibiting all forms of camping, trekking, and expedition activities in the Langol and Punshilok Reserve Forest areas. The order, issued by the Divisional Forest Office, Central Forest Division, on July 29, comes in response to rising incidents of illegal trespassing and unregulated expeditions that are reportedly disturbing the ecological balance and threatening wildlife habitats.
The department cited Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibits trespass in reserved forest areas without permission. It noted that such unauthorized activities are in clear violation of the Act and related environmental regulations. The order explicitly bans public entry for any expedition-related activity within the designated forest zones until further notice.
Divisional Forest Officer Vikram Suresh Nadhe stated in the official directive that the forest authorities have been instructed to intensify patrolling operations and maintain strict vigilance against illegal entries. Any individual or organization found violating the directive will face immediate legal action.
According to the order, offenders caught trespassing in the Reserved Forest areas may face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both, under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The Forest Department also stressed that prior permission from competent authorities is mandatory for any kind of activity within these protected zones.