Imphal: Poppy plants in over 13 hectares were destroyed in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday as the drive against the illegal poppy cultivation is in full-swing.
An official statement said that the poppy plants were destroyed by a combined team of Kangpokpi Forests Division and district police in the hill ranges of Phoibung.
The team led by the range forest officer of Kangpokpi range comprised 45 forest and police personnel.
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The team also destroyed a total of 10 illegally erected structures (huts) as well as destroyed many chemicals and items found on the spots used in illegal poppy cultivation, a statement of the Kangpokpi Forest Division claimed.
Breaking up of land for non-forestry purposes in forest areas of the state amounted to trespassing and encroachment into forest land which are prohibited under Indian Forests Act, 1927 read with Manipur Forests Rules, 2021.
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As such, any person found to have committed such illegal activities is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both, in addition to such compensation for damage done to the forest as the convicting court may direct to pay, , the Kangpokpi Forest Division cautioned.
Divisional forests officer of Kangpokpi Forest Division, Ganesh reiterated that poppy cultivation is a serious threat not only to the society but also to the environment.
Uncontrolled and injudicious deforestation and use of chemical fertilizers liberally without any thoughts of its impact on health and environment in the upland slopes affect not only the environment but also pose serious health hazards to those living in the surrounding areas, he said.
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The chemicals/ fertilizers dissolve in the water making it unfit for consumption, he further said and appealed to the public to inform the concerned departments if they have any leads on the illegal activity and to join hands to make the “ War on drugs” campaign a success.
He added, “It is our collective and individual responsibility to tend to, to protect and preserve the environment.”
NNN
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