Imphal, September 11: The Manipur government has issued strict directives to forest officials to remain on high alert and prevent illegal poppy cultivation in the state as the sowing season approaches.
In an order, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai instructed all territorial divisional forest officers (DFOs) to intensify vigilance within their respective jurisdictions.
“As the season for poppy seed sowing and cultivation is approaching, all territorial DFOs are directed to keep a vigil on such possible cultivation by anti-social elements, which not only harm the ecology but also destroy the health of society,” the directive stated.
The sowing season for poppy typically runs from September to April, prompting the government to strengthen preventive measures in advance.
The notification emphasized that poppy cultivation on forest land constitutes a violation of the NDPS Act, 1985, the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
To combat the menace, DFOs have been directed to ensure regular patrolling, effective staff deployment, and drone surveillance in close coordination with local police. Any identified cultivation site must be destroyed immediately in line with standard operating procedures and with the assistance of the district administration, police, Narcotics and Affairs of Borders (NAB), and paramilitary forces.
