Imphal: Chandel Forest Division mobilized nearly 120 students, villagers, and youths on Sunday to combat the spread of forest fires. The meeting took place at the Liwa Khullen Village Community Hall. Participants came from approximately 10 nearby villages to discuss their role in wildfire prevention.
DFO Chandel Dr. N. Munal Meitei led the event as the chief guest. Liwa Khullen village King T.S. Warkhudin Michel Monsang served as the chair. Range Forest Officer Ningthoujam Deepa and Honorary Wildlife Warden Pashel Ngamnung also attended to provide guidance. The group marked the day by planting 100 saplings.
Dr. Munal highlighted the severity of the threat. Humans remain the primary cause of damage to local biological diversity. "According to the Forest Survey of India, 413 incidences of forest fires occurred in Chandel in 2026, whereas the loss of 230 sq km forest area occurred due to fires from 2010 to 2025," he said.
The data shows a high risk for the region. Forests cover 86.84 per cent of Chandel, but 48 per cent of that land remains vulnerable to flames. Primary fire drivers include poppy cultivation, vegetation clearing, and the burning of grass and shrubs. Dr. Munal called on civil society groups, village authorities, and Meira Paibis to join the Forest Department in a unified conservation effort.
Comments