Imphal, April 24 2009: The census of Sangai population in Keibul Lamjao National Park to be conducted by the Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun could not be carried out this time as a result of Operation Summer Storm launched jointly by troops of 57 Mountain Division and Police at the National Park area recently, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) S Singsit has informed.

Talking to The Sangai Express in his office chamber today, PCCF S Singsit explained that the population count of Sangai is normally conducted during March end and April beginning when the Park is cleared of tall grasses.

However, the timing of the joint operation coincided with the proposed census this time, the PCCF said, adding that Army authority had also not given any prior information to the Forest Department about the operation.

In accordance with the wildlife census report of 2003, there are 180 Sangais in Keibul Lamjao National Park.

However, as no census had been conducted since then apart from missing the chance this year, nothing definite on the number of Sangai could be said, the officer said.

He also informed that subsequent to the proposal made last year for inclusion of the Keibul Lamjao National Park in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, World Life Institute of India has entrusted the Indian Board of Wild Life to take up necessary measures in this regard.

Maintaining that the Centre has been giving top priority on protection of Sangai, Singsit disclosed that the Inspector General of Forest and one Scientist from the Centre are expected to arrive on May 14 to survey the Park area for taking up some developmental works.

According to DFO (Park and Sanctuary) L Muhindro, after the end of the Operation Summer Storm, 24 Forest staff have been touring the Park area along with local club members and Meira Paibis to find out any possible casualty on Sangai.