Former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, has issued a stark warning, stating that the state will confront an existential crisis if immediate and decisive action is not taken to halt rampant deforestation and illicit poppy cultivation. His statement, made on December 4, 2025, highlights a direct connection between environmental degradation and the increasing frequency of devastating floods in the region.
A Video Reveals the Scale of Destruction
To underscore the gravity of the situation, Singh shared a video clip that he stated was from the Kangpokpi district. The footage vividly illustrates large-scale illegal poppy plantations and the accompanying clear-cutting of forests. Singh emphasized that this visual evidence is not just about illegal agriculture but a key reason behind the recurrent floods plaguing Manipur. The loss of forest cover, which acts as a natural sponge and barrier, has severely compromised the land's ability to absorb and manage heavy rainfall.
Deforestation and Floods: A Direct Link
The former Chief Minister articulated a clear cause-and-effect relationship that environmental experts have long warned about. When forests are destroyed, the soil loses its binding strength, leading to increased runoff and soil erosion. This process not only silts up rivers and streams, reducing their water-holding capacity, but also makes hillsides unstable. Consequently, even moderate rainfall can trigger flash floods and landslides, events that have become distressingly common in Manipur. Singh's intervention brings this critical issue back into the public and political spotlight, framing it as a matter of survival for the state.
An Existential Threat and a Call for Action
By labeling the situation an "existential crisis," N Biren Singh has elevated the discourse beyond typical environmental concerns. He implies that the very habitability, ecological balance, and future of Manipur are at stake. The call to action is urgent and directed at both state authorities and central agencies. It demands a multi-pronged strategy involving:
- Strict enforcement against illegal deforestation and poppy cultivation.
- Initiatives for large-scale afforestation and ecological restoration.
- Integrated water and land management policies to mitigate flood risks.
The warning, coming from a prominent political figure with deep understanding of the state's issues, adds significant weight to the ongoing debate on sustainable development in India's northeastern region. The clock is ticking for Manipur to address this environmental emergency before it triggers irreversible consequences.
