Shirui village shines on Lily Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2012:
In honour of the State flower, Siroy Lily which is found nowhere else in the world except Shirui hills in Ukhrul district, the State Government will start observing the Siroy Lily Day with grandeur from next year, said Chief Secretary DS Poonia.
A week-long function held since May 21 on the theme 'Finding Shirui Lily' concluded today.
The week-long function was sponsored by the Manipur Skill Development Society and Tourism Department, Government of Manipur.
Notably, Siroy Lily was first discovered by British botanist F Kingdom Ward.
The closing function held today was graced by Chief Secretary DS Poonia as chief guest and Tourism Commissioner Dr Rajesh Kumar as guest of honour.
Speaking at the occasion, DS Poonia said that a day dedicated to Siroy Lily would be celebrated every year in order to save the flower and inform the world about it.
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Saying that the Government would extend certain aid in developing the playground of Siroy village, Poonia appealed to all to show unmatched hospitality to all tourists so that the fame of Siroy Lily and the good name of Shirui villagers spread far and wide.
However, the number of flowering Siroy plants have been declining year after year on account of the global climate change.
Tourism Commissioner Dr Rajesh Kumar said that maximum efforts would be put in to finish construction of the tourist home which now lie abandoned at Siroy foothill by March next year.
The main features of the week-long event was poetry writing competition for school students on Siroy Lily and fashion parade presented today by Siroy villagers and the Ukhrul Handicraft and Handloom Society.