Razai chief calls for saving 'Nongin'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 15 2022:
Expressing concern over fate the state bird 'Nongin', which is on the verge of extinction, Razai Khullen chairman Ismeal HS stated that the government needs to seriously look into the matter and take up urgent steps for the protection of the state bird.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Friday, Ismeal pointed out that the government has been taking up several measures for the protection of the state animal 'Sangai' and state flower 'Shirui Lily' and organising festivals every year in the name of the state animal and flower.
However, nothing has been done for the protection of the state bird 'Nongin' in-spite of the fact that its existence is uncertain, he contended.
Drawing the attention of the government, Ismeal urged for setting up a park at Razai village, which is the feeding ground of Nongin, and also proposed conduct of Nongin festival every year.
Though the bird is not found in any other part of the state, it usually comes to three different locations on the western hills of Razai village.
The villagers used to eat the meat of Nongin before knowing that it is the state bird.
However, upon realising its importance, village authority issued restriction on killing and catching the bird since 2015.A fine of Rs 10,000 has been announced if anyone was found catching and killing the state bird, he informed.
Recalling that the Nongin bird, which is at Zoological garden today, was handed over to officials of Forest department by him, Ismeal informed that four members of World Life and Environment Protection Organisation along with the villagers of Razai inspected the feeding ground of Nongin on July 9 and also discussed about the measures needed for protection of the state bird.
Meanwhile, World Life Environment Protection Organisation Manipur informed that they along with villagers of Razai are taking up initiatives for protection of the endangered state bird Nongin.