Manipur’s Chandel district has reported 413 forest fire incidents in 2026, raising concerns about forest protection and environmental damage. In response, the Forest Department organised a mock drill on November 7 to educate local communities about fire prevention and safety measures. The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, conducted the exercise in collaboration with the Manipur Fire Service Department near Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages.
The programme brought together villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and forest officials. Meanwhile, authorities urged communities to work together to prevent forest fires and protect the district’s forests, wildlife and natural resources.
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Key Facts About Forest Fires in Chandel
- Location: Chandel district, Manipur.
- Forest fire incidents: 413 reported in 2026.
- Mock drill date: November 7, 2026.
- Organisers: Chandel Forest Department and Manipur Fire Service Department.
- Locations: Forest areas near Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages.
- Forest loss: Approximately 230 square kilometres between 2010 and 2025.
- DFO: Dr N. Munal Meitei.
- Other officials: Range Forest Officer N. Deepa and Fire Service Officer-in-Charge Kamei Dany Rongmei.
Forest Department Conducts Fire Prevention Mock Drill
The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Chandel, organised the mock drill on November 7 in coordination with the Manipur Fire Service Department.
The exercise took place in forest areas adjoining Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages. Range Forest Officer N. Deepa and Chandel Fire Service Officer-in-Charge Kamei Dany Rongmei led the programme.
Villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and Forest Department personnel participated in the exercise.
The mock drill aimed to improve public awareness about forest fire risks and demonstrate the importance of timely action during emergencies.
Furthermore, the programme encouraged local communities to take an active role in protecting nearby forests and preventing accidental fires.
230 Square Kilometres of Forest Lost Between 2010 and 2025
Addressing the gathering, DFO Dr N. Munal Meitei highlighted the increasing vulnerability of forests to fire incidents.
He explained that forest fires damage biodiversity, destroy medicinal plants, threaten wildlife habitats and affect important water resources.
Citing Forest Survey of India reports, Dr Meitei said forest fires had caused the loss of approximately 230 square kilometres of forest area in Chandel district between 2010 and 2025.
The latest figure of 413 reported incidents in 2026 further highlights the need for stronger prevention measures and greater community participation.
Uncontrolled Burning Identified as a Major Cause
Dr Meitei identified several activities that contribute to forest fires in the district.
These include uncontrolled burning, setting fire to agricultural fields and activities associated with poppy cultivation.
He stressed that preventing forest fires requires cooperation between government departments and local communities.
Moreover, he urged villagers to avoid careless burning practices and report fire incidents promptly to the concerned authorities.
More Awareness Drills Planned in Chandel District
The Forest Department also plans to organise similar mock drills in the Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions.
Dr Meitei appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, students, Meira Paibis and the general public to support forest protection initiatives.
He emphasised that community participation remains essential to reducing fire risks and protecting the district’s natural resources.
Questions and Answers
1. How many forest fire incidents have Manipur’s Chandel district reported in 2026?
The district has reported 413 forest fire incidents in 2026.
2. When did the Forest Department conduct the mock drill?
The department conducted the exercise on November 7, 2026.
3. Where did the mock drill take place?
The exercise took place in forest areas near Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages.
4. How much forest area did fires destroy between 2010 and 2025?
According to Forest Survey of India reports cited by the DFO, approximately 230 square kilometres of forest area were lost during this period.
5. Which areas will host similar awareness programmes?
The Forest Department plans to conduct similar mock drills in Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions.
Location Context: Forest Protection in Manipur’s Chandel District
Chandel is an important district in Manipur’s forest-rich border region, where forests support biodiversity, wildlife and local communities. Therefore, preventing forest fires is essential for protecting the environment and preserving natural resources across Manipur and Northeast India.
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