IMPHAL, Oct 25: The Manipur State Government has officially designated the Heibok Ching Hillock in Langthabal, Imphal West, as a Reserved Forest to conserve its biodiversity and natural landscape. This decision was made under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and was announced by Health & Family Welfare and IPR Minister, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh on Thursday during a press briefing at the DIPR Auditorium, Nityapat Chuthek, following a Cabinet meeting.
Minister Ranjan highlighted the ecological significance of Heibok Ching and the government’s efforts to protect the area by granting it Reserved Forest status. The Minister also revealed plans to survey various molehills in the valley region, many of which have lost forest cover due to deforestation and excavation. Based on the survey’s findings, these areas may also be classified as Reserved or Protected Forests.
Previously, Heibok Ching was listed as a revenue village under the name “68-Heibok Ching” in a gazette notification from December 2, 2014, under the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms Act, 1960. The gazette will now be amended to reflect its new status as a Reserved Forest.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (8th Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, aligning with recent GST Council decisions. With the State Assembly not in session, the ordinance ensures the timely adoption of changes.
