CS at Keibul Lamjao
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17, 2013:
By putting up a night at Keibul Lamjao National Park, Chief Secretary DS Poonia has boosted the morale and commitment of Forest officials ad guards who are protecting the endangered Sangai at the park.
The State Government has been working to get the only floating national park in the world enlisted as a world heritage site.
The Chief Secretary together with Post Master General of Shillong Prashant visited Keibul Lamjao National Park yesterday.
The Chief Secretary and his team went up to Pabot hillock by boat and enjoyed the sight of Sangais.
Saying that even touching a Sangai is taken as a criminal act nowadays, DS Poonia suggested that local people should be incorporated and taken into confidence while undertaking any major work inside the park.
The Chief Secretary also opened a one-day training programme for Forest officers and staff on protection of wildlife.
People who showed exemplary zeal in protecting Sangai and other wildlife namely Ningthoujam Angouba of Keirenphabi, Heisnam Tumen, commandos attached to Keibul Lamjao police station, staff of the park and Sangai Protection Forum were felicitated during the training programme.
Forest Department officials informed that Sangais living in the park would be counted next month.
Notably, there has been no head count of Sangais inside the park since 2003. The Chief Secretary's team also included Additional PCCF RK Srivastav, Conservator Lokendro Pratap and DCF L Joykumar.