Imphal: The Central Forest Division, Manipur successfully organized a comprehensive Capacity Building Programme and Mock Drill for frontline forest staff on 27th February, 2026 at the Forest Office Complex, Mantripukhri. The programme was aimed at strengthening field-level enforcement and effective implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules, 1972.
The event was graced by R.K. Amarjit Singh (IFS), Conservator of Forests, Central Circle & Special Secretary, Forests, Environment and Climate Change and Land Resources Department, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by Vikram Suresh Nadhe (IFS), Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division. Distinguished officers present included Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee (MFS), Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal Forest Division, and Aquib Jamal (IFS) (P), Assistant Conservator of Forests, Central Forest Division. All Range Forest Officers and frontline staff of the Central Forest Division actively participated in the programme.
During the programme, R.K. Amarjit Singh (IFS) delivered an inspiring and introspective address on the theme “Introspecting Our Role as Foresters.” In his speech, he urged officers and staff to reflect deeply on their unique role in society and their responsibility being foresters towards forests, wildlife, and future generations.
The Chief Guest emphasized the philosophy and ethos of the Forest Department as a conservation-oriented organization grounded in discipline, integrity, courage, and public service. He also spoke about the present condition of forests and the environment in the State, underlining challenges such as encroachment, illegal extraction, habitat degradation, and environmental imbalance. He further stressed the importance of stricter enforcement of laws, community engagement, inter-departmental coordination, capacity enhancement of frontline staff, and adoption of proactive and preventive strategies for sustainable forest management.
A detailed mock drill exercise was conducted by staff from the four Range Offices under the Central Forest Division. The drill demonstrated practical procedures and standard operating protocols for:
- Handling cases of illegal encroachment in Reserved Forest areas, including site inspection, identification of encroachers, preparation of offence reports, proper documentation, and coordination with civil and police authorities for lawful eviction and action.
- Dealing with wildlife offence cases under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including seizure procedures, arrest protocols, safeguarding of evidence, recording of statements, and preparation of cases for prosecution in accordance with legal provisions.
- Tackling illegal felling of trees and unauthorized firewood collection, with emphasis on intensified patrolling, detection of offences, confiscation of tools and forest produce, and ensuring timely legal follow-up.
- Addressing illegal hill earth excavation within forest areas, including preventive monitoring, interception of vehicles and machinery, seizure procedures, and submission of reports to competent authorities for necessary action.
The mock drill emphasized real-time response mechanisms, proper application of legal provisions, maintenance of case records, personal safety during field operations, teamwork among staff, and effective communication within the Division.
The Central Forest Division reiterated that such capacity-building initiatives are vital to enhancing the efficiency, preparedness, and confidence of frontline staff in protecting forest resources and wildlife. The Division remains committed to strict enforcement of forest and wildlife laws and to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the State.
