Forest Fire Mock Drill Conducted in Two Chandel Villages to Prevent Wildfires
Wildfires Have Destroyed Numerous Precious Trees and Medicinal Plants in This Region": Dr. N. Munal Meite
The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, in collaboration with the Manipur Fire Service Departmernt, conducted a forest fire mock drill today at forest areas adjoining Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages to create awwareness on forest fire preventionand safetymeasures.
The drill was led by N. Deepa, Range Forest Officer, Chandel, and Kamei Dany Rongmei, OC, Fire Service, Chandel, with participation from villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and Forest Department staff.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Munal Meitei, DFO, Chandel, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of forests to fire and its adverse impact on biodiversity, medicinal plants, wildlife habitats and water resources. He informed that 413 forest fire incidents were reported in Chandel district in 2026, while approximately 230 sq. km. of forest area was lost to forest fires between 2010 and 2025, as per Forest Surveyof Indiareports.
He identified uncontrolled burning, agricultural field burning and poppy cltivation-related activities as major causes of forest fires and stressed the need for collective efforts in preventing suchincidents.
Dr. Munal further informed that similar mock drills would be conducted in Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions. He appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, students, Meira Paibis and the general public to actively participate in protecting forests and preventing forest fires.
The drill was led by N. Deepa, Range Forest Officer, Chandel, and Kamei Dany Rongmei, OC, Fire Service, Chandel, with participation from villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and Forest Department staff.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Munal Meitei, DFO, Chandel, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of forests to fire and its adverse impact on biodiversity, medicinal plants, wildlife habitats and water resources. He informed that 413 forest fire incidents were reported in Chandel district in 2026, while approximately 230 sq. km. of forest area was lost to forest fires between 2010 and 2025, as per Forest Surveyof Indiareports.
He identified uncontrolled burning, agricultural field burning and poppy cltivation-related activities as major causes of forest fires and stressed the need for collective efforts in preventing suchincidents.
Dr. Munal further informed that similar mock drills would be conducted in Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions. He appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, students, Meira Paibis and the general public to actively participate in protecting forests and preventing forest fires.