IT News
Imphal, May 11:
Recent revelations by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh regarding forest cover depletion and illegal opium poppy cultivation have caught the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), shedding light on environmental concerns in the state amidst ongoing ethnic tensions.
The NDTV has reported that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken note of a social media post by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on forest cover loss in the state due to deforestation and illegal opium poppy cultivation.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh welcomed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stance for taking note of the forest cover loss in the state due to deforestation, illegal encroachment and rampant poppy cultivation.
Biren Singh praised the tribunal for taking note of the issue and addressing the same by taking substantial steps.
In a social media post on X platform, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted alarming statistics, indicating a decline in Manipur’s forest cover from 17,475 sqkm in 1987 to 16,598 sqkm in 2021. Singh attributed this loss primarily to deforestation and illicit opium poppy cultivation, stressing that the issue transcends community boundaries.
The NGT’s Principal Bench in Delhi took note of these revelations, acknowledging the “substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.” The tribunal emphasized the significance of the data released by the Chief Minister, underscoring a decrease of 877 sqkm in forest cover over the years.
Furthermore, the NGT referenced data from the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre, indicating a 60 percent decline in opium poppy cultivation since 2021, signaling potential progress in addressing this illicit activity.
Responding to the gravity of the situation, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr. A Senthil Vel decided to intervene, impleading themselves as respondents in the matter. Subsequently, the NGT issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and the Forest Survey of India (FSI), urging them to respond within a week.
The NGT’s proactive stance underscores its commitment to addressing environmental degradation and forest loss not only in Manipur but across the country. The tribunal has scheduled a hearing on July 31 to further deliberate on the matter, aligning with its ongoing efforts to safeguard India’s natural resources.
