Imphal: In an effort to conserve the environment and preserve biodiversity, the Manipur State Government has designated the sacred Heibok Ching Hillock, located in Langthabal, Imphal West district, as a Reserved Forest. This declaration was made under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Health & Family Welfare and IPR Minister, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, shared this announcement during a press briefing at the DIPR Auditorium in Nityapat Chuthek. The decision followed a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day.
Speaking to the media, Minister Ranjan highlighted the significance of Heibok Ching, known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. He emphasized the government’s recognition of the need to protect the hillock by granting it Reserved Forest status, with the aim of preserving its unique landscape and ecological value.
The Minister also mentioned that the Cabinet has decided to conduct a survey of various molehills scattered across the valley region, many of which have lost their forest cover due to deforestation and excavation. Each molehill will be reviewed and may be classified as either Reserved or Protected Forests, based on the survey findings.
Heibok Ching was previously designated as a revenue village under the name “68-Heibok Ching” in a gazette notification issued on December 2, 2014, as per Section 2(w) of the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms Act, 1960. Minister Ranjan noted that this gazette will now be amended to reflect its new status as a Reserved Forest.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (8th Amendment) Ordinance, 2024. This amendment aligns with decisions made during the GST Council meetings in July and September, requiring all states to follow national guidelines. Since the State Assembly is not currently in session, the Cabinet approved the ordinance to ensure timely implementation of the changes, the Minister added.
