Manipur Forest Department bans camping, trekking and trespassing inside Nongmaiching Reserve Forest citing ecological disturbance and illegal activities.
Imphal, June 2: The Manipur Forest Department has prohibited camping, trekking, expeditions and all forms of trespassing inside the Nongmaiching Reserve Forest following reports of increasing illegal activities in the protected area.
The order was issued on June 2 by the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, under the Forest Department, Government of Manipur.
According to the order, authorities observed a rise in illegal trespass activities, including camping and expedition-related movement inside the reserve forest. The department stated that such activities were disturbing the ecological balance, endangering wildlife and violating provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, along with relevant forest rules.
Invoking Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the department directed the general public not to carry out activities such as camping, trekking, expeditions or trespassing inside the Nongmaiching Reserve Forest with immediate effect until further orders.
The order stated that all individuals and organisations would require prior permission from the competent authority for any such activities in the area.
Forest officials, including Range Officers and staff, have been instructed to conduct regular patrolling and maintain strict vigilance against illegal entry and related activities inside the reserve forest.
The department also warned that violations would invite legal action under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both.
The order was signed by Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur.
