Manipur Launches Five-Year Plan to Restore Drying Springs

Imphal: The Central Forest Division of Manipur joined forces with the non-profit group The Indian Orient 2025 on October 30. They signed a deal to launch the ReTreeFy Project. This five-year pilot looks to fix broken forest catchments and bring back dying springs throughout the Imphal Valley. The project aims to boost long-term water security for the region.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai oversaw the signing alongside the forest department team. Bajpai insisted on a hands-on approach. He stated that the initiative "should be community-led, with local residents involved from the planning stage."

The department will handle the technical side of the work. The Indian Orient 2025 will run the scientific research and mobilize local help. Ajay Chanam of the organization pointed to clear problems. Forests are degrading, and that has led to flooding, faster runoff, and seasonal water shortages. The project will map springs using GIS technology and perform hydrogeological checks on recharge zones.

Workers will install soil and water conservation structures. They plan to plant native species and set up riparian forests. Local residents will run village nurseries and handle the upkeep of these plants. These efforts will create green jobs while the state sets up local Water Resource and Conservation Committees to manage the supply. This pilot serves as the start of a 70-year vision. That plan runs from 2025 until 2095, aiming to restore ecosystems and push nature-based tourism across the state.