Manipur's Chandel District Loses 230 Sq Km of Forest to Fires Over 15 Years

The Deputy Forest Officer of Manipur reported that the forest area in Chandel district has been reduced by 230 square kilometres over the past fifteen years, largely as a result of repeated forest fires. The fires, which occur during the dry season, have been intensified by human activities such as slash‑and‑burn agriculture and illegal logging. The loss of forest cover threatens local biodiversity, disrupting habitats for numerous species and affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities who depend on forest resources. Forest authorities have announced plans to strengthen fire monitoring, increase community awareness and deploy more personnel to patrol vulnerable areas.