Bamboo replacing poppy patches in Manipur jungles: PCCF
Bamboo plantations have been established in 255 hectares out of 307 hectares of forestland that were under poppy cultivation in three hill districts
The Manipur Forest Department has replanted bamboo on 255 hectares of land previously cleared for opium poppy cultivation, a factor contributing to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai disclosed that his department identified 307 hectares of forestland under opium poppy cultivation in the hill districts of Chandel, Churachandpur, and Senapati.
Out of this, 255 hectares have been converted to bamboo plantations as part of their efforts to restore degraded forest areas. The department is actively seeking a species that can outcompete the "fast-growing and fast-spreading" poppy. By doing so, they aim to improve the environment while providing economic opportunities for local communities.
The department has been engaging with village chiefs to discourage opium poppy cultivation and offer alternatives to those involved in the illegal practice. Since 2018, the department has been conducting surveys to identify poppy plantations, with ongoing efforts to uncover additional areas. Approximately 78% of Manipur's territory is classified as forestland, although the actual forest cover amounts to only 74%.
Bajpai explained that the department is collaborating with security forces and intelligence agencies to prevent the smuggling of forest products across the India-Myanmar border. Among the items being smuggled into Manipur are areca nuts and Burmese teak. During the financial years 2023-24 and 2025-26, the Manipur Forest Department generated ₹115 crore from confiscated forest products.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
