Awareness on birds of Loktak Lake
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, February 26 2018:
Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur Forest in association with Global Science Club, Khoijuman and Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) Manipur organised a one day awareness programme on birds (migratory and indigenous) of Loktak Lake at Khoijuman, Bishnupur district today.
The awareness programme aimed at educating the local people about the importance of conserving and preserving the birds to sustain ecological balance of the Lake.
Range Forest Officer Bishnupur Forest Division S Ratankumar Singh, Range Forest Officer Moirang L Babuyai Singh and Honorary Wildlife Warden, State Coordinator IBCN RK Birjit attended the event as dignitaries.
Two locals of Khoijuman were honoured during the programme for their contribution towards conserving and preserving the birds at Loktak Lake.
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Global Science Club handed over 30 bird traps seized during a drive to the Forest Department.
Speaking as a resource person, Honorary Wildlife Warden RK Birjit Singh educated the locals about idigenous birds and migratory birds.
He identified the different kinds of migratory birds that visit Loktak Lake.
Loktak Lake was declared a Ramsar site in 1990 and three years later it was included in the Montreux Record, he said.
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
Degrading ecological balance in the Lake due to NHPC's Loktak Hydroelectric Project, Ithai Barrage and human encroachment has deterred many migratory birds from visiting the Lake, Birjit said.
Citing various developmental projects degrading the environment of the Loktak Lake, it is time all the stakeholders- locals, Government and others deliberate and discuss possible solution that may save the Lake, he said.