Forest Department Signs MoUs with BSNL and AAI to Boost Protection and Communication Network

The Forest Department, Government of Manipur, has signed two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to strengthen forest protection, surveillance, and communication systems across the state. The agreements were inked in the presence of Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, at a ceremony held at Forest Headquarters, Sanjenthong.

Senior officials from the Forest Department, BSNL and AAI attended the event, including R.K. Amarjit Singh (Conservator of Forests), B.S. Sharma (General Manager, BSNL), Chipemmi Keishing (Director, AAI), and other departmental officers.

Under the MoU with BSNL, titled “Networking & Communication Infrastructure for Forest Revenue Stations of Manipur,” the telecom provider will design, deploy and maintain a secure, high-speed communication network to modernize forest administration. The initiative includes OFC/UBR/DMW connectivity for divisional and range offices, GPS-enabled devices for frontline staff, IP-based CCTV and ANPR systems, trap cameras, drone surveillance units, and a Central Command & Control Centre at Forest Headquarters. The project will be executed in phases and completed over three years.

The MoU with AAI enables the Forest Department to set up an office at Imphal International Airport to strengthen coordination on environmental governance, wildlife protection and prevention of illegal trafficking of forest and wildlife articles. The office will become operational once infrastructure arrangements are in place.

Speaking at the event, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests expressed gratitude to BSNL and AAI, stating that the partnerships will significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and monitoring across forest protection and regulatory activities. BSNL and AAI officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s efforts in sustainable environmental management and secure communication systems.