Pony preservation pledged again, this time by CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 27 2013: Reaffirming Government of Manipur's determination to protect the endangered Manipuri pony species, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today declared that sufficient budgetary allocation would be made for the preservation of the rare pony breed.

Speaking to newspersons during an inspection visit of the proposed Pony Sanctuary Park at Ibudhou Marjing Polo Complex under Heingang Assembly Constituency today, the CM stated that in sync with the State Cabinet decision, Pony sanctuary development work has already begun.

Currently the park development work is on a 23.5 acre khasland, informed the CM confiding that the aim is to develop the park by acquiring 500 acres of land including the adjoining hill slope.

He also affirmed that the land acquisition process would be through mutual consent of the land owner and would be completed within 2-3 months.

CM inspecting the proposed site

As part of the Government's vision to protect and increase the pony population from the present total of about 700, Manipur Polo International Tournment has been made a regular feature of the Manipur Sangai Festival, reminded the Chief Minister and added that with Manipur being the place of origin of polo protecting the endangered species is a top priority.

Calling upon individual pony owners to bring their ponies to the sanctuary where the animals would be provided maximum protection and care if the owners have financial issues in caring for their ponies, he also reminded that IMC authorities have been instructed to issue notification for prohibiting random presence of stray ponies in the twin capital districts.

In addition to rounding up the stray ponies owners would be made to pay monetary penalties, including payment for expenditures in feeding the ponies during the period of confinement.

With regard to the proposed development of the Pony Park, he explained that to attract tourists a race course is a project component of the Park.

Ibobi also highlighted that as part of a mega project to develop tourist destinations sanction has been granted to spruce up Kaina pilgrimage site and Khongjom War Memorial complex.

For development of the Ibudhou Marjing Park a detailed project report of about Rs 30 crore amount would be proposed to either the Doner Ministry or NLCPR, he informed exuding confidence that the funding proposal would have positive response.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwor, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Heingang AC MLA N Biren, some foreign nationals currently taking part in the ongoing Manipur Polo International as well as local polo players and pony rearers were also present during the inspection visit.

The visit was reportedly organised by Manipur Pony society and Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, the latter being host of the current polo tournament.