Poppy fields over 9 sq km destroyed in 2 months

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 14: In a major crackdown against illegal opium poppy cultivation, more than 9 square kilometres of poppy plantations have been destroyed across several districts from January 1 to February 28 this year.
The massive illegal poppy plantations spread over 957.2441 hectares of land were destroyed across Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Chura-chandpur, Chandel, Senapa- ti, Tamenglong and Teng-noupal districts, said sources.
Measure : 100 hectares = 1 sqkm
Most of the plantations were destroyed in Ukhrul district.
634.05 hectares of poppy plantations were destroyed at Ukhrul district, 97.6 hectares were destroyed at Kangpokpi; 93.87 hectares at Churachandpur, 21 hectares at Chandel, 60.7 hectares at Senapati, 39.89 hectares at Tamenglong and 10.1171 hectares at Tengnoupal district.
While depleting forest land to illegal opium cultivation has been an issue, the sources said, the State has also lost more than 9 square kilometres of forest land to various infrastructure development projects.
The sources said forest clearance was given for infrastructure development on 9.727902 sq km of forest land during 2025-26.
Manipur has a total forest area of 17,418 sq km. This include 1,090.699 sq km of Reserve Forest, 2,890.794 sq km of area being developed as Reserve Forest, 2,835.618 sq km of Protected Forest, 833.706 sq km of Protected Area Network and 9,767.183 sq km of Unclassed Forest.
Additionally, Manipur has 0.140728 sq km of man-made forest and 1.392 sq km of sacred groves.
The diversion of 9.727902 sqkm of forest land for various infrastructure development projects was done under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, said the source.
15 infrastructure development proposals were given Stage-I clearance for diversion of 402.2956  hectares of forest land.
And, 28 infrastructure development proposals were given Stage-II clearance for diversion of 570.4946 hectares of forest land.
The projects include construction of highways, expansion of telecommunication infra, development of educational infrastructure and others.
The projects include double lane expansion of National Highway 202 Yaingangpokpi-Nagaland (affecting 98 hectares);  and expansion of NH 102-Shangshak-Tengnoupal Road (Phase II to VIII) affecting 550.571 hectares of forest land.
Other projects include expansion of NH 202 (Laikot-Finch Corner) affecting 98 hectares; installation of double circuit towers between Rengpang and Tamenglong affecting 56.833 hectares; construction of road from Tengnoupal's Khemdod to Phaisanjang affecting 99.939 hectares; and fencing work between Border Pillar Number 81 and 85 affecting 44.93 hectares of forest land.
The Forest Department generated a revenue of Rs 37.32 crore during 2025-26.