Imphal: Crews have built an Eco Tourism Park inside the Waikhong Pine Reserved Forest in Kakching district. The project at Ucha Ching, near Khakching Khunou Lamkhai, started around 2022. Several structures now stand on land that forest officials confirm is protected. This activity directly violates forest law.
Critics say the Forest Department knew about the work as early as September 2025. Silence followed. The department took no visible action to stop the progress. Officials now admit the construction is illegal. One source stated, "The site falls within the Reserved Forest and the activities being undertaken there are contrary to law."
Confusion remains over the site status. The SDC Waikhong issued a Land Availability Certificate identifying the plot as revenue land, specifically C.S. Dag No. 1011 and Village No. 81. However, official records classify the area as forest land. Claims suggest the North Eastern Council in Shillong is funding the development. The role of the Revenue, Tourism, and Rural Development departments remains under investigation as the Forest Department looks into the breach.
Comments