IMPHAL, Nov 15: The Forest Department of Manipur has signed two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to modernise forest administration and strengthen forest and wildlife protection across the State. The agreements were formalised on November 14 at the Forest Headquarters in Sanjenthong, Imphal, in the presence of Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF). Senior officials from both BSNL and AAI, along with top Forest Department officers, attended the ceremony.
The MoU with BSNL, titled “Networking & Communication Infrastructure for Forest Revenue Stations of Manipur,” will introduce advanced networking solutions throughout Divisional Headquarters, Range Offices and Beat Offices. The initiative includes installation of Optical Fibre Cable networks, GPS-enabled devices for frontline staff, IP-based CCTV systems, ANPR and trap cameras at major forest check posts, deployment of drone units for aerial surveillance, and the establishment of a Central Command & Control Centre (4Cs) at the Forest Headquarters. The project aims to significantly improve real-time monitoring, reporting and coordination, and will be implemented in phases over the next three years.
The second MoU, signed with the Airports Authority of India, will set up a dedicated AAI office at Imphal International Airport to enhance coordination on environmental governance, wildlife protection and regulatory enforcement. The initiative is expected to curb illegal trafficking of forest and wildlife products through the State’s busiest air transit point, which connects Manipur to other parts of India and Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PCCF Anurag Bajpai said the partnership with BSNL will substantially enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness in field-level forest operations. He noted that reliable communication is essential for protecting forests, monitoring the movement of forest produce, and improving revenue collection. He described the collaboration as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Manipur.
BSNL officials reiterated their commitment to delivering secure and robust communication systems to support Manipur’s digital transformation in forest management. AAI representatives, meanwhile, stressed the importance of sustainable aviation practices and assured full cooperation to strengthen environmental oversight and regulatory compliance.
