State keen to protect Nong-in habitat
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 02 2022:
The state government has sent a proposal to the central government to declare Rajai Khullen in Ukhrul district, a hotspot of the state bird Nong-in, as a community reserve, said principal chief conservator of forest Dr Ak Joshi.
Speaking as chief guest at the 47th anniversary of Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroishemba here on Sunday, Ak Joshi informed that the government has been able to protect 4.6 per cent of the state's total geographical area under Wildlife Protection Act.
Increase in such protected area will help in preserving more natural habitat of wikilife including the state bird.
In this regard, the department sent a proposal to the Centre for declaring Rajai Khullen in Ukhrul district, which is the hotspot of Nongin, as a community reserve, he reiterated.
On the other hand, the department is taking up initiatives to protect the natural habitat of Sangai and increase its population.
The department is also in search of a second home for Sangai as well as a breeding centre, he added.
In his speech, Manipur Zoological Garden director L Biramangol stressed the need for modernisation of the zoological garden as well as initiative to provide a home to the animals in the zoo, which would be closest to their natural habitat.
Underscoring the role of the zoological garden in the protection and conservation of wildlife, he called for public support in developing the facility.
Chief conservator of forest and wildlife L Joykumar and wildlife sub-division's divisional forest officer Vaneichong Singson also attended the function as president and guest of honour respectively.
Staff and keepers of the facility were honoured on the occasion.