Imphal: The Manipur Forest Department, one of the oldest departments in the State, celebrated its 95th Foundation Day today at the Forest Headquarters, Imphal, with the participation of serving and retired officers in person and virtual mode, frontline forest staff and officials. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the Department’s rich legacy, acknowledge the contributions of generations of forest officers and personnel, and renew its commitment to forest conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable development and economic upliftment of the people in Manipur.
A presentation highlighting the historical evolution, growth and major achievements of the Department was made during the celebration. It traced the Department’s journey over the decades, highlighting its evolving role in forest management, afforestation, wildlife conservation, ecosystem restoration, engagement with local communities and economic growth of the State. The presentation also highlighted the Department’s progressive adoption of modern technologies, including GPS, GIS, remote sensing, drones, digital forest monitoring systems and AI-enabled tools like FRAMS for improving planning, surveillance and decision-making.
Retired IFS officers namely, Bala Prasad, K. Thambou Singh, K. Jagdishwor Singh and Th. Mohendro Pratap Singh shared their experiences, recollections and insights from their years of service. Their reflections offered valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by the Department in earlier decades, the evolution of forestry practices and the dedication required to protect the State’s rich natural heritage. Their participation reaffirmed the enduring bond between serving and retired members of the Forest Department and recognised the invaluable institutional knowledge built over generations.
Anurag Bajpai, PCCF & HoFF acknowledged the commitment and sacrifices of forest personnel working in diverse and often challenging field conditions. He underscored the importance of combining the experience and wisdom of senior officers with the energy, innovation and technological capabilities of younger officers to address emerging challenges such as forest fires, forest degradation, illegal poppy cultivation, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Bajpai envisaged that technology must not remain a showcase of modernisation; it must become an instrument of better conservation, greater transparency and more effective governance.
Bajpai exuded confidence on the tremendous energy, enthusiasm and professional aggression among our young officers, both females and males. He urged them to translate their energy into bold initiatives, field-level results and innovative solutions. He exhorted them to embrace technology, think beyond routine files and take ownership of the forests entrusted to them. He added that leadership in forestry is not simply about issuing directions. It is about being present in the field, empowering teams, taking timely decisions, accepting responsibility and inspiring confidence.
PCCF & HoFF encouraged the young officers that Forest must be a people-centric Department ensuring sustainable livelihood, food security, water security and employment. Our forests are deeply connected with the lives, livelihoods and customary institutions of our communities. Conservation cannot succeed through enforcement alone; it must be built on trust, participation and shared responsibility.
As the Department approaches its Centenary in 2031, the 95th Foundation Day marks the beginning of a significant five-year run-up to this historic milestone. The Department’s journey towards its centenary will focus on strengthening scientific and technology-driven forest management, restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting Manipur’s unique biodiversity, enhancing community participation, improving institutional capacity and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient landscapes. Greater emphasis will be placed on innovation, accountability, intergenerational knowledge-sharing and people-centric conservation. The celebration concluded with a renewed resolve to carry forward the legacy of the Department’s pioneers while preparing for the conservation and development demands of the future.
