Two tourist guides at KLNP to receive monthly honorarium of 5 K
TSE gives a shot to Sangai conservation
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, May 31 2019:
In a bid to protect and preserve Sangai, which is only found at Keibul Lamjao National Park, The Sangai Express and its publisher Nishikanta Singh Sapam have taken up concrete steps to extend assistance to the tourist guides at the Park.
A felicitation programme was also organised at 2nd IB of the National park today, under the sponsorship of leading newspaper in the State, The Sangai Express and its publisher Nishikanta Singh Sapam.
During the event, two well performing tourist guides with proper knowledge of Sangai and the park, were awarded a cheque of Rs 5000 each while 40 forest guards of the Forest Department were provided boots as well.
The event, which was or- ganised by The Sangai Express, was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment Suhel Akhtar, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden DJN Anand and publisher of The Sangai Express, Nishikanta Singh Sapam, Chief Editor of ISTV Brozendra Ningomba and DFO Noney Arun RS as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking at the event, Additional Chief Secretary Suhel Akhtar said that Nishikanta is well versed and knowledgable when it comes to the State and his initiative to do good for the society and the State will bring positive changes.
He continued that it is important to recognise the contribution of the people working at the ground level and lauded The Sangai Express group for appreciating the works done by the people at the ground level.
On the other hand, Nishikanta Sapam said that once, one of his female friends from outside Manipur visited Keibul Lamjao National park and told him of her great experience, mostly due to two of the tourist guides identified as one Kumarjit and Ratankumar, who excelled in their works.
She also expressed concern over the lack of benefits or assistance from the side of the Government towards the guides, he said, adding that her story made him think about doing something good for the tourist guides as well as the people who are working for the conservation of Sangai at the park.
He continued that as the Sangai is also the name behind his newspaper, he deliberated about the idea with his Editors and staffand finally came to the decision to organise the event today.
Nishikanta then appealed to the people living in the surrounding areas to take part in the protection of the Sangai explaining that this will ultimately lead to the growth of tourism and rise in economy of the State.
He also expressed desire to do something to improve the condition of the 14 Sangais which are currently being kept at Iroshemba Zoological garden.
ISTV Chief Editor Brozendra Ningomba lauded the initiative of The Sangai Express and stated that this is a commendable and honourable initiative.
If the people from different sectors in the State begin investing in such humanitarian endeavour, Manipur will advance towards development at a rapid pace, he said.
The effort of The Sangai Express will help, not only in spreading awareness among the people about the need to protect Sangai and the need to recognise the contribution of the people working for this issue, but will also help in making the State Government see the importance of such endeavour, he stated, expressing belief that other people and corporate bodies will follow in the footsteps of Sapam Nishikanta to do something positive for the State.
On the other hand, Editor of The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition) Khogendra Khomdram said that today's initiative by The Sangai Express group is aimed at the conservation of the brow antlered deer or Sangai.
He continued that outside the State, the tourist guides perform their jobs excellently which makes the tourists want to come back more.
However, a similar situation is somewhat of a rarity in Manipur as the guides often seem to fail in making the tourists aware about Keibul Lamjao and Sangai, he added.
Khogendra however conveyed that there are many among the forest guards and the locals who are well versed in these matters and the event has been organised to provide aid/assistance to those who have worked hard to guide the tourists properly.
As a part of the event, two tourist guides Ningthoujam Kumarjit and Oinam Ratankumar were handed Rs 5000 each, he said, adding that they will be provided Rs 5000 every month from now on.
On the other hand, boots were handed over to 40 forest guards in recognition of their work and contribution to protect the park and its resident animal.
More boots will be handed out to the other remaining forest guards as well, Khogendra added.
A large number of Keibul Lamjao National park staff, Forest guards and staff of The Sangai Express were present at the event.
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