Imphal | The Manipur Forest Department has identified 307 hectares of forest land under illegal poppy cultivation across Churachandpur, Senapati and Chandel districts, with bamboo plantations established on 255 hectares of the affected land as part of efforts to restore degraded forests.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai disclosed the figures at a press conference at the Forest Department headquarters on Friday, adding that surveys were continuing and more areas under illegal poppy cultivation could be identified.

Describing poppy cultivation as a serious threat to both the environment and society, Bajpai said the department had been surveying forest areas since 2018 to detect and address the problem.

The bamboo plantations are intended to help rejuvenate degraded forest land while creating alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities. The department is also researching plant species that could inhibit poppy growth, as the plant’s seeds can germinate rapidly and spread easily.

Bajpai said the department was engaging village chiefs to discourage poppy cultivation and encouraging those involved in the practice to take up alternative livelihood activities. With poppy plants generally flowering in October, forest officials are maintaining vigilance and coordinating with central security forces to identify and destroy illegal cultivation.

Forest Department prepares for dry season

The department has also stepped up preparations for the dry season, which begins in October, with forest fires, illegal poppy cultivation, forest produce smuggling, wildlife trafficking and unauthorised tree felling among its key concerns. Bajpai said around 78 per cent of Manipur’s geographical area was classified as forest land, while forest cover accounted for approximately 74 per cent.

The department has issued a standard operating procedure for forest fire prevention and will work with local communities and volunteers to respond to fire incidents.

Revenue from seized forest products touches Rs 47 crore

The department is also intensifying efforts to curb the smuggling of forest products along the India-Myanmar border. Myanmar teak, areca nuts and timber are among the items being smuggled into the state, Bajpai said. Forest personnel are conducting foot patrols in vulnerable areas, while coordination with intelligence agencies and security forces has been strengthened to tackle the illegal trade.

According to Bajpai, revenue generated from seized forest products has increased steadily over the past three financial years. The department collected Rs 30 crore in 2023-24, Rs 38 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 47 crore in 2025-26. He said seized forest products must be handed over to the Forest Department in accordance with a Supreme Court order and the prescribed standard operating procedure. The department subsequently auctions the materials and collects the proceeds as revenue.

12 forest personnel suspended over alleged tree felling

Bajpai also warned that illegal tree felling, wildlife killing and unauthorised earth cutting would invite action. Confirming the suspension of 12 personnel of the Thoubal Forest Division in connection with an alleged tree-felling incident, he said an inquiry was underway and the department was awaiting its findings.

The measures form part of the state’s wider efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation in the hill districts, restore damaged forest areas and promote sustainable livelihood options for communities dependent on forest resources.