National workshop on management of Sangai : Call to preserve Sangai echoes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 16 2015 : A two-day National workshop on 'Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sangai' organised by Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) began today at IBSD campus, Takyelpat.

The inaugural function of the workshop was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and IBSD Director, Professor Dinababu Sahoo as the chief guest, president and guest of honour repectively.

The CM, during his speech, lauded IBSD for organising the workshop adding that the same could contribute in the conservation of the State animal - Sangai.

He further called for mass participation in the State's endeavour to clean up Loktak lake.

National workshop on management of Sangai Call to preserve Sangai echoes

Loktak lake with its heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters called 'phumdis', is the only natural habitat of the State animal, Sangai.

At present, however, decreasing population of Sangai in the area has caused an unchecked growth of phumdis in the lake.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam, during his speech said that the State is putting efforts to increase the population of Sangai in the State.

Sangai Festival is the example of how much the State values the existence of Sangai, the Dy CM added.

The festival is the symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence of the different communities of the State to the outside world.

Poaching and consuming of the wild animal, he stated, is illegal.

"The act must not be promoted at all cost," he added.

The Minister further advocated the need to clean up Loktak lake as the first step towards conserving the State animal.

The opening session of the two-day national workshop was also attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Bala Prasad; Additional Chief Secretary O Nabakishore; Vice Chancellor of CAU, Dr M Premjit; environmentalist RK Ranjan; and noted scientists from different parts of the countries.