Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has sounded a powerful alarm, warning that the state is facing an “existential crisis.” The source of this grave threat is the widespread and unchecked destruction of Manipur’s precious forests, driven primarily by two escalating problems: rampant illegal poppy cultivation and mass deforestation.
The situation, as described by the BJP leader, demands immediate and decisive action before the environmental damage becomes irreversible.
The Twin Threats: Illegal Poppy and Forest Destruction
Singh’s stark warning highlights an environmental catastrophe unfolding across Manipur's hill ranges. Sharing concerning visual evidence, the former CM pointed specifically to the Kolten and Selsi hill ranges under T. Waichong Sub-division in Kangpokpi district, where illicit plantations and large-scale forest clearing are reportedly taking place.
1. The Alarming Rise of Illegal Poppy Farming
The expansion of poppy cultivation in Manipur is not just a law and order issue; it is a major driver of ecological decay. To create space for these illegal cash crops, vast tracts of forest land are being cleared, leading to severe habitat loss and destabilization of the hill ecology.
Singh alleged that armed militant groups are suspected to be behind this illegal poppy cultivation, indicating a deep-rooted and organized challenge that requires robust governance to tackle.
2. Mass Deforestation: The Catalyst for Floods
The unchecked clearing of forests has direct and severe consequences for the entire state. The former Chief Minister explicitly linked the environmental devastation to Manipur’s recurring natural disasters.
“All our forests have been destroyed while we are trying to pull each other down,” Singh stated.
This mass deforestation destroys the natural capacity of the land to absorb rainfall, leading directly to the recurrent floods in Manipur that have plagued the state. The warning is clear: continuing on this path will only intensify these devastating environmental impacts.
Why Is This Crisis Being Ignored?
Singh’s critique extended beyond the illegal actors to question the inaction of state authorities, specifically the Forest Department. He highlighted the lack of steps taken against those responsible, emphasizing a leadership vacuum when it comes to defending the state’s ecology.
The former CM’s remarks come at a time when Manipur is already grappling with numerous challenges, including ethnic tensions, governance issues, and displacement. Observers suggest that these pressing social and political crises have inadvertently diverted the necessary attention and resources away from the escalating ecological threats that could ultimately determine the state's long-term survival.
Call for Urgent Intervention to Save Manipur
The message from Biren Singh is an urgent call for action. The destructive cycle of illegal poppy cultivation, deforestation, and recurrent flooding poses a fundamental threat to the well-being and future of Manipur.
Unless the government and all stakeholders commit to concrete action—including strict enforcement, forest protection, and dismantling the illegal poppy trade—Manipur risks facing the complete breakdown of its fragile ecological balance. Protecting the environment must be elevated as a top priority to avert the looming existential crisis.