Chandel forest fires destroyed around 230 square kilometres of forest area in Manipur’s Chandel district between 2010 and 2025, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dr N. Munal Meitei has said. The figure highlights pressure on forests that support wildlife, biodiversity and local water resources.
The warning came during a forest fire prevention mock drill held on November 7 in forest areas adjoining Chandelpokpi and Monshang Pantha villages. The Chandel Divisional Forest Office and Manipur Fire Service Department organised the exercise.
Chandel forest fires prompt fresh concern
Dr Meitei cited Forest Survey of India reports to underline the long-term impact of fires. He said approximately 230 sq km of forest area had been lost in Chandel over the 15-year period from 2010 to 2025.
The latest figures also show that Chandel forest fires remain a continuing risk. According to the DFO, 413 forest fire incidents were reported in the district in 2026. The incidents have prompted stepped-up awareness activities.
The drill familiarised residents with fire prevention and safety measures. Range Forest Officer N. Deepa and Chandel Fire Service Officer-in-Charge Kamei Dany Rongmei led the exercise. Villagers, students, village chiefs, elders and Forest Department staff took part.
What is driving Chandel forest fires?
Dr Meitei identified uncontrolled burning and the burning of agricultural fields among the major causes of forest fires. He also pointed to activities linked to poppy cultivation as a factor contributing to the problem.
Such practices can let flames spread beyond intended areas. Dry leaves, grass and shrubs can provide fuel, especially during periods when forest conditions favour fires. However, the specific contribution of each cause to the reported incidents was not quantified in the information released by the DFO.
The department’s message on Chandel forest fires focused on prevention rather than assigning blame to particular communities. Residents can help by avoiding open burning in dry vegetation and alerting local authorities when they spot smoke or flames.
Officials stressed that careless or uncontrolled burning can place surrounding forests, wildlife and nearby settlements at risk.
Why Chandel forest fires threaten vital forest cover
Chandel has a substantial forest area, making the impact of repeated fires especially significant. In an earlier awareness programme, the DFO said forests covered 86.84 per cent of the district’s geographical area. That amounted to about 1,823.64 sq km out of a total area of 2,100 sq km.
He also said around 48 per cent of the district’s forest area was vulnerable to fires. These figures underline the need to protect Chandel’s forest landscapes.
Forest fires can damage habitats and threaten plant and animal life. Dr Meitei specifically highlighted risks to biodiversity, medicinal plants, wildlife habitats and water resources. Moreover, repeated damage can place additional pressure on the ecological systems that communities depend on.
Awareness drives to prevent Chandel forest fires
The November 7 mock drill brought government departments and local residents together. The programme sought to make prevention a shared responsibility.
The DFO said similar mock drills would be conducted in the Chakpikarong and Khengjoi subdivisions. The planned exercises are intended to extend awareness beyond the locations covered by the latest programme.
The department also appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, students, Meira Paibis and the wider public to take an active role in preventing forest fires. Such participation can spread safety messages and encourage early reporting.
Community action vital to stop Chandel forest fires
The reported loss of 230 sq km over 15 years, alongside 413 incidents recorded in 2026, points to the need for sustained prevention efforts. Awareness programmes can improve preparedness, but lasting protection will also depend on changes in practices that allow fires to start and spread.
Chandel’s forests are important not only for their size but also for the wildlife, medicinal plants and water resources they support. Therefore, cooperation between residents, village institutions, fire services and the Forest Department will remain essential.
The latest mock drill has renewed attention on Chandel forest fires. Preventing uncontrolled burning, strengthening local awareness and responding quickly to fire risks will be central to safeguarding the district’s remaining forest resources for future generations.
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