Migratory birds arrive, poaching rampant
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2014: With the arrival of migratory birds in thousands at Loktak Lake, poaching of wild birds using nets and traps has multiplied dramatically.

Taking serious note of the unfolding situation, an extensive awareness campaign has been launched in and around Loktak Lake.

The awareness campaign was carried out using PA system on boats under the joint initiative of the Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, Bishnupur district police, United Clubs, Thanga and the Thanga Part II Pradhan.

The awareness campaign focused on Moirang Khongjil where maximum number of migratory birds are concentrated.

Migratory water birds have been caught in thousands using dragonfly and grasshopper injected with chemicals, and nets for sale and consumption of their meat in the last couple of days, said some volunteers of the United Clubs, Thanga.

Migratory birds flocking Loktak Lake

Speaking at the awareness campaign, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary) L Joykumar pointed out that catching wild birds using toxic chemicals will have a serious impact on the environment and flora and fauna of Loktak Lake.

Saying that consumption of poisoned birds would affect human health, Joykumar called upon all the people to protect migratory birds which come here temporarily.

Killing and poaching of wild birds is punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou appealed to the people to ensure that all the migratory birds which have migrated from the northern hemisphere return safely to their original nesting place.

Some years back, a migratory bird which had the word 'Japan' on its beak was killed in Manipur.

Such tragedy should not be allowed to recur ever again.

Arrival of migratory birds has greatly enhanced the charm and exquisiteness of Loktak Lake, Dr Shamungou said.

The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition) Editor Khogendra Khomdram called upon one and all to stop ill-treatment of the migratory birds.

Just as people settled around the lake extract numerous benefits from the lake, migratory birds which come to feed in the lake thereby greatly enhancing sublime beauty of the lake must be protected, said K Jugeshore, another environmentalist.

As part of the awareness campaign, volunteers checked fishermen who were fishing in the lake if they were catching any wild bird.

The team saw an unprecedented number of Touthra, Thoidingam (Gadwall) and Porom (Coots) at Moirang Khongjil.

Meanwhile, Forest Department has started due preparations for an extensive and sustained campaign around the lake against poaching and killing wild birds.