DFO warns against excavation
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 13: Illegal excavation of earth in both Reserved Forest and Unclassed Forest is prohibited and as such, violators will be booked under relevant rules and Act, said the Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Manipur Government.
This warning of the DFO came following reports of individuals and contractors excavating earth for commercial purposes.
Under the cover of recent floods in the State, many individuals and contractors have been excavating earth and dumping in private land for commercial purposes, read an order issued by the DFO yesterday.
Extraction of minor minerals like stone, sand, earth has a negative impact on the environment and this leads to soil erosion, deforestation, slope instability, contamination of flood streams, increased torrent flow in rivers and streams, and eroded river banks.
While removal and transportation of stone without permit and transit pass violates provisions of Indian Forest Act, the High Court of Manipur has banned all forms of unregulated or illegal excavation of minor minerals. Illegal excavation of hill earth in both the Reserved Forest and Unclassed Forest is prohibited and violators will be booked under relevant rules and Acts, said the DFO, Central Forest Division.