Ukhrul, August 1: The Manipur government has banned illegal trespassing in reserved forests-Langol Reserve Forest in general and Punshilok area in particular.
On July 29, the state Forest Department issued a strict order prohibiting all forms of illegal entry and activities such as camping, trekking, and expeditions inside the Langol Reserve Forest and Punshilok area.
It stated that the incidences of illegal trespass in the form of camping, trespassing expeditions in Reserve Forest is increasing in the Langol Reserve Forest in general and Punshilok area in particular. Such activities are disturbing the ecological balance, endangering wildlife and violating the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and relevant rules, it stated and added that such activities are prohibited with immediate effect and until further order.
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It further stated that in the event of detection of such activities in any reserved forests mentioned above, such offences of individual(s) are punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine or both under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 prohibits trespassing inside Reserved Forest areas.
Forest officials, including Range Officers and staff have been directed to intensify patrolling and keep strict vigil against such acts of illegal trespass and take appropriate action according to Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Manipur Forest Rules, 2021.
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