Imphal: The Manipur government has directed forest officials to stay alert against illegal poppy cultivation as the sowing season begins. The order was issued ahead of the September–April cultivation window.
Directive to Forest Divisions
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai issued the notification on September 8. It instructed all Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to maintain strict vigil within their jurisdictions. The order highlighted that anti-social elements use forest land for poppy cultivation, which harms ecology and public health.
Violation of Multiple Laws
The directive emphasized that poppy cultivation on forest land violates the NDPS Act, 1985, the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. To counter this, forest divisions have been told to intensify patrols, strengthen deployment, and use drone surveillance in coordination with local police.
Destruction of Illegal Plantations
Officials have been mandated to immediately destroy identified poppy fields in line with standard operating procedures. The operation must be carried out with the support of district administration, police, Narcotics and Affairs of Borders (NAB), and paramilitary forces. In a recent drive, over 10 acres of poppy plantation were destroyed in Tamenglong district.
