In pursuance of a Cabinet directive, a government team led by Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Y. Kikheto Sema, inspected Lokhipahar Forest Purchased Land at Jaboka Village under Tizit subdivision of Mon district on April 22.
The team, which included Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vedpal Singh and other senior officials, assessed boundaries, forest cover, encroachment and management issues.
Lokhipahar, spread over about 2,138 hectares, was acquired in September 1977 for conservation, protection and ecological restoration. Officials said the land forms part of a larger forest landscape marked by hilly terrain, tropical vegetation and rich biodiversity.
During the inspection, it was found that a major fertile portion of the land had allegedly been encroached upon by surrounding villages for plantation activities, tea farms, betel nut and bamboo cultivation for more than 30 years, leaving only a small fraction under departmental control.
Sema directed the Divisional Forest Officer, Mon, and Range Officer, Tizit, to carry out an assessment using drones and GPS mapping to establish the factual position. He said poor boundary demarcation was a major cause of encroachment and stressed the need for a re-survey and permanent boundary pillars. “It is imperative to develop a comprehensive management plan for all government-purchased lands in the state,” he said.
The team also visited Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, a 24 sq km protected area along the Assam border known for rich biodiversity and elephant habitat. Sema appreciated staff efforts and said stronger protection measures and community participation would be vital for its long-term sustainability.
