Manipur Destroys Poppy Crops in Forest Reserves

Security forces and Manipur state forest officials have identified more than 307 hectares of illicit poppy cultivation hidden within protected forest reserves across the Senapati, Churachandpur, and Chandel districts.

Drone Surveillance and Official Action

Authorities began utilizing drone surveillance in mid-September 2026 to detect these plantations as part of an intensified anti-narcotics campaign. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai stated on October 9, 2026, that his department is finalizing a Standard Operating Procedure to combat these illegal activities. Divisional Forest Officers are required to maintain heightened vigilance and coordinate with the Narcotics and Affairs of Borders unit, police, and paramilitary forces to ensure the immediate destruction of illicit crops under the Manipur Police official source.

Appeals and Alternative Livelihoods

On October 8, 2026, the Churachandpur district police issued a formal appeal warning that those involved in poppy cultivation face arrest, prosecution, and property forfeiture. Law enforcement agencies emphasized that these illegal plantations drive large-scale deforestation and soil erosion. The Forest Department is promoting alternative livelihoods, including bamboo plantations, to discourage illegal practices.