In a decisive effort to protect forest land and uphold environmental laws, the Central Forest Division has initiated a crackdown on illegal hill earth excavation being carried out under the guise of flood-related activities across Manipur.

The Division has found that certain individuals and contractors are exploiting recent floods as a cover to extract hill earth without proper authorization — a clear violation of forest laws. In several recent cases, Preliminary Offence Reports (PORs) and FIRs have been filed, and appropriate legal action is underway.

Officials reiterated that minor minerals such as hill earth and stone are classified as forest produce under Section 2(4)(iv) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021. Extraction, transportation, or removal of such materials without valid permits is strictly prohibited.

Citing a key judgment by the Hon’ble High Court of Manipur dated July 25, 2018 (PIL No. 25 of 2017), which bans all forms of illegal excavation of minor minerals in the state, the Division has issued stern warnings to violators. Owners and operators of JCBs, excavators, tippers, and dumpers have been warned against engaging in unauthorized excavation activities in forest areas.

The Division further announced that any machinery found operating without proper permits will be seized immediately. Vehicle owners and drivers involved in transporting illegally excavated materials will also face legal action, including vehicle confiscation.

To enforce these directives, frontline forest staff have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance, including random checks at key forest entry and exit points. Immediate action will be taken against any violators.

This move highlights the Central Forest Division’s strong commitment to forest conservation and legal enforcement.