The Manipur Forest Department has planted bamboo on 255 hectares of forestland that were cleared for poppy cultivation, one of the triggers of the State’s ongoing ethnic conflict.
Manipur’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Anurag Bajpai, said his department identified 307 hectares of forestland under poppy cultivation in three hill districts — Chandel, Churachandpur and Senapati.
“We have established bamboo plantations across 255 hectares (out of the 307 hectares) as part of the efforts to restore degraded forest areas,” he told journalists on Friday (October 9, 2026).
Mr Bajpai said the department has been trying to identify a particular species that can dominate the “fast-growing and fast-spreading” poppy.
“Bamboo can help restore the environment while creating livelihood opportunities for the local communities,” he said, adding that the department has been engaging with village chiefs to discourage poppy cultivation and provide viable options to people involved in the illegal practice.
Mr Bajpai said the department has been surveying forest areas since 2018 to identify poppy plantations. “Surveys to identify more areas under illegal poppy cultivation are continuing,” he said.
He said about 78% of Manipur’s geographical area is classified as forestland, but the forest cover is about 74%.
Mr Bajpai further said the department was coordinating with security forces and intelligence agencies to curb smuggling of forest products along the India-Myanmar border. He said areca nuts and Burmese teak were among the items being smuggled into Manipur.
The Manipur Forest Department earned ₹115 crore from seized forest products between the 2023-24 and 2025-26 financial years.
Published – October 10, 2026 03:56 am IST
