The Divisional Forest Office, Chandel today organised a Forest Fire Prevention Awareness programme at Panchai village under Maha Area in Chandel district. The programme was held at the hall of the Maha Area Chiefs Association with the participation of 51 village chiefs, CSO representatives, self-help groups and around 150 villagers.
Among those present were Dr. N. Munal Meitei, Divisional Forest Officer, Chandel, Francis Thamdok, President of CNPO, J.S. Angam, Chairman of Maha Area Chiefs Association, and N. Deepa Devi, Range Forest Officer, Chandel.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Munal stated that Manipur has 75.46 per cent of its geographical area under forest cover, adding that Chandel district, with nearly 1,815 sq km of forest out of 2,100 sq km, is the second most forest-rich district in the state. He cautioned that shifting cultivation, forest burning and illegal logging are posing serious threats to the district’s forest resources. Citing Global Forest Watch data, he said that 44 sq km of forest area in Chandel was lost up to 2024.
He urged village chiefs and residents to prevent forest fires, discourage indiscriminate burning and cooperate with the Forest Department in protecting forest wealth and wildlife.
Francis Thamdok called for collective responsibility and vigilance, particularly during the dry season, stating that prevention of forest fires is crucial to safeguard the district’s shared natural heritage.