Forest Department of Manipur

The Forest Department of Manipur was first set up in the former Darbar of Manipur in the year 1931. Prior to the year, no department to preserve and conserve the forest regions of the state existed. The British government realized the potential threat to the forested regions of the state and established the separate forest management office with an officer in charge. The Darbar Policy of the government that ensued in the following year helped in management of the forest resources of the state of Manipur. Commercial extraction of the resources of the forests in Manipur led to the collection of revenue which was shared by the state with the Cachar Forest division prior to the establishment of this department.

The report produced by the first deputed forest officer of the region, Mr. DC Kaith aided in the governance of the forested regions of Manipur. The report of the officer is considered as the foundation for the development of forestry in the state of Manipur. Mr Kaith divided the region into 19 timber blocks to facilitate management of the forests in Manipur.

After the establishment of the forest department, distinct zones were created in the forests of Manipur. The state reserve covers the regions under the protection of the state. Hill Village reserve comprises of the regions protected by the Hill villages. Open Reserve are the regions utilized for commercial use and the Valley Village Reserve are used by the village people who obtain their sustenance from the forest regions.

The Forest Department of Manipur has helped in maintaining the ecological balance in the state and preserving the forest areas of Manipur.