The Central Forest Division, Manipur, successfully conducted a comprehensive Capacity Building Programme and Mock Drill for frontline forest staff on Friday, at the Forest Office Complex, Mantripukhri. The initiative aimed at strengthening field-level enforcement and ensuring effective implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules, 1972.
The programme was graced by R.K. Amarjit Singh, Conservator of Forests, Central Circle and Special Secretary, Forests, Environment and Climate Change and Land Resources Department, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division. Among the distinguished officers present were Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee, Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal Forest Division, and Aquib Jamal, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Central Forest Division.
All Range Forest Officers and frontline staff of the Division actively participated in the programme.
In his address on the theme “Introspecting Our Role as Foresters,” R.K. Amarjit Singh delivered an inspiring and reflective speech, urging officers and staff to deeply consider their unique responsibilities towards forests, wildlife and future generations.
He highlighted the philosophy and ethos of the Forest Department as a conservation-oriented organization rooted in discipline, integrity, courage and public service.
The Chief Guest also spoke about the current condition of forests and the environment in the State, pointing to challenges such as encroachment, illegal extraction, habitat degradation and environmental imbalance. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of laws, greater 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 was conducted by personnel from the four Range Offices under the Central Forest Division.
The exercise demonstrated standard operating procedures for handling illegal encroachment in Reserved Forest areas, including site inspection, identification of encroachers, preparation of offence reports, documentation and coordination with civil and police authorities for lawful action.
The drill also covered procedures for dealing with wildlife offences under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, such as seizure protocols, arrest procedures, safeguarding evidence, recording statements and preparing cases for prosecution. Practical demonstrations were carried out on tackling illegal felling of trees, unauthorized firewood collection and illegal hill earth excavation within forest areas, with emphasis on patrolling, interception, seizure procedures and timely legal follow-up.
The mock drill underscored the importance of real-time response mechanisms, proper application of legal provisions, maintenance of case records, personal safety during field operations, teamwork and effective communication within the Division.
The Central Forest Division reiterated that such capacity-building initiatives are crucial for enhancing the efficiency, preparedness and confidence of frontline staff in protecting forest resources and wildlife, reaffirming its commitment to strict enforcement of forest and wildlife laws and safeguarding the ecological integrity of the State.
