IMPHAL: A complaint from a Manipur-based civil society leader has prompted the Government of India to step in against large-scale deforestation in the state.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has acted on a petition submitted by Shri Lenin Hirom, Convenor of the All Kongba Road United Clubs’ Organisation (AKRUCO). His complaint, sent on September 15, drew attention to widespread destruction of forests across Manipur.
Responding to the petition, the Ministry on September 23 issued a formal directive to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur. The letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner for Forestry Ravinder Singh, instructs the state forest department to urgently examine the matter, initiate legal action under existing forest protection laws, and submit a report at the earliest.
The directive directly cites Shri Lenin Hirom’s complaint, confirming that the intervention was triggered by his organisation’s appeal. For transparency, a copy of the order has also been forwarded to him.
This development underscores both the gravity of deforestation in Manipur and the growing impact of civic voices in driving government action on environmental issues. Further updates are awaited as the Manipur Forest Department responds to the Ministry’s order.
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