As the poppy cultivation season begins, the Manipur government has issued a directive to forest officials to remain on high alert and prevent the illegal farming of the plant.

The directive was issued ahead of the onset of the poppy seed sowing and cultivation in the state.

“As the season (September-April) for poppy seed sowing and cultivation is approaching, all territorial DFOs are directed to keep a vigil in their respective jurisdiction on such possible cultivation by anti-social elements which not only harm the ecology of the area but also destroy the health of the society,” the order issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Anurag Bajpai, on September 8 read.

The notification further underlined that poppy cultivation on forest land violates provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Forest officials have been instructed to ramp up regular patrols, effectively deploy personnel, and use drone surveillance in coordination with local police.

The directive also mandates the immediate destruction of any identified poppy cultivation areas. This must be done according to standard operating procedures, with support from the district administration, police, Narcotics and Affairs of Borders (NAB), and paramilitary forces.