Manipur Zoological Garden celebrates 39th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2015 : Established on October 2, 1976, Manipur Zoological Garden, the only wildlife sanctuary of the State which houses a number of rare and endangered animal species, celebrated its 39th foundation day at Iroisemba today.

Organized by the Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, Government of Manipur, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Bala Prasad, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Govt of Manipur and K Angami, Additional PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden graced the programme as presidium members.

Home to a large number of endangered species,many of which are included in Scheduled I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Manipur Zoological Garden was inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Manipur RK Dorendro in 1976 .

Dignitaries attending the 39th foundation day of Manipur Zoological Garden

Govindas Konthoujam conveyed greetings to the gathering on behalf of Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra during the programme who also assured to provide the required staff members and improve the infrastructure of the zoo at the earliest.

He further said that the work of promoting and conserving our rich wildlife heritage will not be successful if general public remain idle.

Citing an example of promoting bird watch expeditions in Loktak Lake, Govindas said, "We must work collectively to promote our rich wildlife resources and cater to a market to attract tourists for economic growth" .

Manipur Zoological Garden is recognized as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority.

It covers an area of 8 hectares with an additional 2.13 hectares at Langol Reserve Forest.

Bala Prasad stated that all interrelated departments of the State Government are coordinating with the Wildlife Wing to upgrade the Manipur Zoological Garden.

Wildlife Week is being observed from October 2 to 8 with an aim to spread awareness on the importance of wildlife especially children as they are the future of society.

Being home to two important bio-diversity hotspots of the world, Manipur has to play an important role to conserve and preserve our wildlife and bio-diversity as they go hand in hand, he said.

Further Bala Prasad said that wildlife based tourism can play a pivotal role in conserving the State's wildlife.

There are more than 300 animals and 47 species in the zoo out of which 25 per cent of the total animal population is endemic to Manipur.

As part of the foundation day celebration, wildlife films were also screened for school students who also attended the function.