The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Additional Chief Secretary (TCI and TA & Hills), Government of Manipur, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, conducted a detailed review and inspection of various developmental schemes and forestry initiatives in Chandel District on Saturday.
Accompanied by senior officials including Soreiphy Vashum (Addl. PCCF), Gaithaolu Thaimei (CCF-II), Sanajaoba Khuraijam (CF, Eastern Circle), H. Bobby Sharma (JS, TCI), Jiten Singh (Director, Handlooms & Textiles), and MD of MANIDCO, the team began with a review meeting at the Mini Secretariat, Chandel. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner L. Nandakumar Singh, SP Chandel, DFO, SDMs, and officials from Agriculture, Pisciculture, Labour, Skill Development, and Health departments.
Discussions centered around the construction delays of the Industrial Estate and Eklavya Model Residential Schools at Berupam and Chakpikarong. Progress of key central schemes like PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PMFME, and the convergence of forestry programmes with MGNREGA was also reviewed. The PCCF urged regular review and coordination among departments and stakeholders to speed up implementation. The DC was requested to ensure utility connections at the Industrial Estate while the SP was asked to provide necessary security.
Later in the day, livelihood items under Green India Mission were distributed to 72 beneficiaries from 10 Joint Forest Management Committees. The event, held at the Multipurpose Hall of DC Complex, saw the distribution of 21 sewing machines and 51 bee-rearing boxes.
The team also visited the under-construction Eklavya Model Residential School at Berupam, inspecting hostels, main buildings, and staff quarters. The absence of site engineers and the urgent need for a retaining wall to prevent landslides were flagged by the ACS.
Additionally, the officials interacted with local weavers and village leaders at the Handloom Cluster in Chandel, reviewed progress at the GM/DIC office, and visited the ongoing construction site of the Industrial Estate. The lack of drainage and effluent treatment provisions was noted, with directions given for immediate correction.
The day concluded with a forest sector review meeting at the Divisional Forest Office, followed by a visit to the permanent forest nursery at Komlathabi.
