Bishnupur villagers seek restoration of traditional grazing land
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 23: Residents of Thamnapokpi and neighbouring villages in Bishnupur district have sought the intervention of the State Government for the restoration and protection of about 100.95 acres of traditional community grazing land.
A representation to this effect was submitted to the Chief Minister by Moirangthem Muton Singh, Up-Pradhan of Ngangkhalawai Gram Panchayat, on behalf of the residents of Thamnapokpi and adjoining villages.
According to the representation, the land had historically served as a common grazing ground supporting livestock rearing and the rural economy of the area. However, following a Government-approved diversion order issued in 1979, the land was earmarked for agricultural purposes and was subsequently allotted in 1996 to the Moirang Part-I Educated Unemployed Youth's Pisciculture Cooperative Society Ltd for pisciculture activities, resulting in the establishment of fish ponds over the area.
The memorandum stated that the conversion of the land has deprived villagers of a vital community resource for decades, causing difficulties for cattle owners and affecting traditional livelihood practices. It also raised questions regarding the present legal status of the land and whether the existing use is consistent with the objectives of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.
The Government may conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the utilization of the land, assess its environmental and socio-economic impact, and examine the legality of the present land use. The land may be restored to its original state if any irregularities are found, or alternatively, allot adequate grazing land for the affected communities, it stated.
The State Government must safeguard community resources, protect rural livelihoods and ensure environmentally sustainable land use in the larger public interest, it added.
Meanwhile, the issue has also revived concerns among residents of Thamnapokpi and neighbouring villages regarding the protection of community and State lands.
Villagers have expressed apprehension that common resources traditionally used for grazing livestock and fishing may gradually be lost due to encroachment or private appropriation, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and effective protection of public lands for the benefit of local communities.
IMPHAL, Jun 23: Residents of Thamnapokpi and neighbouring villages in Bishnupur district have sought the intervention of the State Government for the restoration and protection of about 100.95 acres of traditional community grazing land.
A representation to this effect was submitted to the Chief Minister by Moirangthem Muton Singh, Up-Pradhan of Ngangkhalawai Gram Panchayat, on behalf of the residents of Thamnapokpi and adjoining villages.
According to the representation, the land had historically served as a common grazing ground supporting livestock rearing and the rural economy of the area. However, following a Government-approved diversion order issued in 1979, the land was earmarked for agricultural purposes and was subsequently allotted in 1996 to the Moirang Part-I Educated Unemployed Youth's Pisciculture Cooperative Society Ltd for pisciculture activities, resulting in the establishment of fish ponds over the area.
The memorandum stated that the conversion of the land has deprived villagers of a vital community resource for decades, causing difficulties for cattle owners and affecting traditional livelihood practices. It also raised questions regarding the present legal status of the land and whether the existing use is consistent with the objectives of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.
The Government may conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the utilization of the land, assess its environmental and socio-economic impact, and examine the legality of the present land use. The land may be restored to its original state if any irregularities are found, or alternatively, allot adequate grazing land for the affected communities, it stated.
The State Government must safeguard community resources, protect rural livelihoods and ensure environmentally sustainable land use in the larger public interest, it added.
Meanwhile, the issue has also revived concerns among residents of Thamnapokpi and neighbouring villages regarding the protection of community and State lands.
Villagers have expressed apprehension that common resources traditionally used for grazing livestock and fishing may gradually be lost due to encroachment or private appropriation, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and effective protection of public lands for the benefit of local communities.