Biswajit floats idea of 'Wildlife Map'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 10 2022:
Forest and Environment Minister Th Biswajit has outlined the need for developing a 'Wildlife Map' of Manipur in line with the 'Craft Map' which was introduced during his tenure as Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister in the last term.
The Minister made the remark while attending the felicitation programme of wildlife photographers and journalist who were able to photograph State bird 'Nongin' (Mrs Hume's Pheasant) in the wild for the first time in the State, held at Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroishemba today and added that the "Craft Map' served as an infographic medium to give information to the people about various crafts of a particular place in the State.
Th Biswajit added that there is a need to develop a similar kind of map but with infographic data on different kinds of wildlife available in different places of the State which will not only provide information to the masses but will also attract tourists.
Regarding the current condition of the Manipur Zoological Garden, Th Biswajit said the enclosure and infrastructure of the zoological garden is outdated.
He assured that the Government will work towards developing the zoological garden with better infrastructure and facilities as the garden has a good prospect of becoming a centre for resource mobilisation, research as well as for amusement.
He added that he will also apprise the condition of the zoological garden to the Chief Minister and exuded confidence that funds will be available for its development.
Lauding the team, including wildlife photographers Oken Sanasam, Priyojit Akoijam, Harmenn Huidrom and Imphal Free Press reporter Babie Shirin, which captured the image of the State bird in the wild for the first time in Manipur, the Minister said it was indeed a great achievement and presented the team with cash prize and a shawl each.
It is noteworthy to mention that the team had photographed the Nongin in the forest of Razai Khullen in Ukhrul district on July 19 and 20 providing clear proof that the State bird still thrives in the wild in forests of Manipur.
Nongin or Mrs Hume's Pheasant first discovered in 1881 by British naturalist AO Hume is currently included in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as 'Near Threatened' (NT) .
The programme was also attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr AK Joshi and Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) L Joykumar as presidium members.