June 2, 2026 : The Central Forest Division, Forest Department, Government of Manipur, has prohibited all camping, trekking, expeditions, and other similar activities inside the Nongmaiching Reserve Forest with immediate effect, warning that violators may face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The order, issued by Divisional Forest Officer Vikram Suresh Nadhe, stated that incidents of illegal trespass in the form of camping and trekking expeditions have been increasing in the Nongmaiching Reserve Forest.
According to the order, such activities are disturbing the ecological balance of the area, endangering wildlife, and violating provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, as well as relevant forest rules.
Invoking Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibits trespassing inside reserved forest areas, the department has directed the general public not to undertake camping, trekking, expeditions, or any related activities within the reserve forest until further orders.
The order further instructed Range Officers and field staff to conduct regular patrols and maintain strict vigilance against illegal entry and other prohibited activities. Officials have been directed to take appropriate action against offenders in accordance with the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021.
The department also restrained all individuals and organisations from carrying out any such activities without prior permission from the competent authority. It warned that any person found trespassing or engaging in prohibited activities inside the reserve forest would be liable for punishment under the law.
The restrictions have come into force with immediate effect and will remain in place until further orders, the department said.
