Serious questions are being raised over the alleged construction of an Eco Tourism Park inside the Waikhong Pine Reserved Forest in Kakching district, with allegations that extensive construction activity continued for years despite the area being protected under forest law.
An Imphal Times investigation has found that attempts to develop an Eco Tourism Park at Ucha Ching, near Khakching Khunou Lamkhai, reportedly began around 2022. Several structures are now said to have come up at the site, which falls under the Kakching Forest Range.
More disturbing is the allegation that the Forest Department was informed about the construction activities as early as September 2025, but no visible action has followed.
Questions are therefore being raised over how construction could continue inside a Reserved Forest for nearly three years and whether the Forest Department failed to act despite being aware of the activities.
The issue assumes greater significance following claims that the project is being developed under the North Eastern Council (NEC), Nongrim, Shillong. If the site is indeed part of the Reserved Forest, questions arise as to how approval could have been granted for an Eco Tourism Park and whether mandatory forest clearances were obtained.
According to an official familiar with the matter, the site is not revenue land but falls within the Reserved Forest area. The official said a land claim under the SDC Waikhong, citing C.S. Dag No. 1011 and Village No. 81, Kakching Khunou, had described the land as revenue land, while land records reportedly identify the area as forest land.
The case also raises questions over the reported issuance of a Land Availability Certificate by the SDC Waikhong and the role of other government departments in facilitating construction within a protected forest.
The Forest Department official contacted by Imphal Times acknowledged that the site falls within the Reserved Forest and said the activities being undertaken there are contrary to law. The official further stated that no permission had been obtained from the Forest Department and that the department was looking into the matter.
The central question now is not merely who constructed the structures, but how such construction was allowed to proceed inside a Reserved Forest for years without effective intervention.
If violations have occurred, will the authorities identify those responsible, stop further construction and remove structures allegedly erected illegally—or will another protected forest area be allowed to disappear under the guise of development?
Imphal Times will continue to follow the case, including the roles of the Forest, Revenue, Tourism and Rural Development departments in the matter.