Why in news?
The Anal Naga people of Manipur have been praised for their traditional forest‑management practices known as Uju and Rangkang. These community‑run systems protect water sources, regulate resource use and maintain biodiversity, attracting attention as models for sustainable conservation.
Background
The Anal are one of the 19 Naga tribes in Manipur and also live across the border in Myanmar. According to the 2011 census their population is about 24,300. They speak the Anāl language, a Northern Kukish tongue of the Sino‑Tibetan family, and are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in India. Most communities live in Chandel District and practise subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Traditional beliefs are animist, though some members have adopted Christianity.
Community‑led forest management
- Uju forests: Close to each village, these reserved forests are collectively managed. Villagers may gather firewood, bamboo and other resources only with permission from the village authorities. Fines are levied for illegal cutting, ensuring that extraction remains sustainable. Springs and streams within the Uju provide drinking water and irrigation, so protecting them is vital for community survival.
- Rangkang forests: Further from the settlement, these patches are left undisturbed. No one is allowed to cut trees or collect produce from these areas except during emergencies such as droughts. Leaving these forests untouched allows ecosystems to regenerate and provides a buffer against flash floods and heat waves.
- Collective decision‑making: Each village holds an annual assembly to set rules for the coming year. Elders and youth discuss boundaries, fines and seasonal restrictions, demonstrating participatory governance.
Importance
Uju and Rangkang embody indigenous conservation. They balance the need for resources with the health of the forest, safeguard water sources and highlight the role of local knowledge in climate resilience. At a time when many forests are threatened by logging and mining, the Anal Naga practice shows that community ownership and clear rules can sustain ecosystems for generations.