Satellite Study Shows 52,000 Acres of Forest in Manipur Gone in 4 Years; Ex-CM Biren Singh Says No One Believed When His Govt Said So

Around 32 acres of land have shown signs of vegetation regrowth, hinting that forest revival is possible with the right approach.

Manipur has lost an alarming 52,000 acres of forest between 2021 and 2025, a recent study by Indian space analytics firm Suhora Technologies has revealed. Using high-resolution satellite images and geospatial intelligence, the study tracked drastic land cover changes across the state and sounded the alarm over rapid deforestation.

The report, titled “Manipur Deforestation: A Closer Look at Alarming Trends and Emerging Hope”, highlights that a total of 21,100 hectares, or around 52,000 acres, of forest cover disappeared in just four years. The main drivers of this destruction include illegal poppy cultivation, widespread logging, unsustainable fuelwood collection, infrastructure development, and the growing effects of climate change.

Though the situation appears grim, the study noted signs of recovery in certain areas. Around 32 acres of land have shown signs of vegetation regrowth, hinting that forest revival is possible with the right approach.

Manipur’s rich green cover, once considered a natural treasure, now faces serious threats. Satellite data showed that in 2024 alone, the state lost around 17,800 hectares of natural forest, releasing over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This continues a two-decade-long trend of declining forest cover.

The Suhora report linked deforestation to the fast spread of poppy plantations in remote hills. These plantations have led to large-scale forest clearing. The traditional practice of shifting cultivation, or jhum, has also become unsustainable due to shortened cycles, leaving the land little time to recover.

Infrastructure projects such as new roads and railways, while improving connectivity, are also contributing to forest loss and increasing the risk of landslides in the fragile hill regions. Meanwhile, climate change is making forest ecosystems even more vulnerable by altering rainfall patterns and raising wildfire and pest risks.

Responding to the report, former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren wrote on X, “Many people didn’t believe the State Government’s claims. But the facts speak for themselves. From 2017 to 2025, the government destroyed over 18,000 hectares of illegal poppy plantations—a massive effort to combat drug trafficking and prevent deforestation.”

He added, “What we need now is mass afforestation. The time to act is now. Let’s join hands and restore our forests.”

According to official government data, authorities destroyed more than 18,212 acres of poppy and cannabis plantations across various districts between January 2017 and March 2025.

The most affected districts include:

Kangpokpi – 3,249 acres destroyed

Ukhrul – 2,993 acres destroyed

Tengnoupal – 2,590 acres destroyed

Churachandpur – 2,131 acres destroyed

Imphal East – 1,852 acres destroyed

Chandel – 1,828 acres destroyed

Senapati – 1,014 acres destroyed

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