Ukhrul, June 19, 2025: In response to growing environmental concerns caused by erratic rainfall patterns, floods, landslides, and the worsening impact of climate change, the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Ukhrul Forest Division, Government of Manipur, has issued a stringent directive to curb illegal extraction and transportation of forest produce in Ukhrul district.
The order, dated June 19, 2025, and signed by Divisional Forest Officer Laishram Gitla, highlights judicial directives from the Hon'ble High Court of Manipur. These include the complete prohibition of unregulated or illegal excavation of minor minerals (PIL No. 25 of 2017, dated 25.7.2018) and a total ban on unauthorized stone quarrying, sand mining, and river pollution in all state rivers, unless a valid license or lease is granted (PIL No. 5 of 2019, dated 2.7.2017).
The notice clarifies that timbers (sawn/round), minerals including hill earth and stone, fall under forest produce as per the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021. Consequently, any removal, extraction, or transportation without a valid permit and payment of royalties constitutes a legal violation.
As per the order:
• No individual or agency is allowed to transport forest produce without a valid transit permit.
• All vehicles and equipment - including trucks, tippers, and excavators - used without valid permits will be seized.
• Legal action, including fines, imprisonment, and equipment confiscation, will be initiated against violators.
• General public, traders, and transporters are strictly warned against engaging in illegal forest activities.
Forest officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance at all entry and exit points to forest areas and take immediate action as per the law. Non-compliance will attract disciplinary action.
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The Forest Department has called on all stakeholders - law enforcement agencies, village authorities, local organisations, and citizens - to cooperate in conserving Ukhrul's rich forest resources.
The directive has been circulated widely across key government departments and includes instructions for maximum publicity of the order through the District Information Office.
