Amur Falcon has put Tamenglong in the global map: Forest Minister
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Tamenglong, November 04 2019: Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar has conveyed that the migratory bird Amur Falcon has put Tamenglong district in the global map, adding that the forest, wildlife, sanctuaries and water bodies are the real assets of the district.

Speaking at the opening function of the 5th Amur Falcon Festival which was organised at Unity Stadium, Tamenglong today under the aegis of Tamenglong Forest Division, the Rainforest Club Tamenglong and Tamenglong Baptist Church today, Shyamkumar lauded the villagers of the district and said that the conservation initiative taken up by the locals is a testimony to the fact that villagers are committed to conserving the wildlife.

Speaking about jhum cultivation, the Minister said that the Government is working towards providing an alternative livelihood to the villagers.

This year, the Department will send proposal to Centre seeking around Rs 30 crore as financial assistance for the hill districts.

The fund will be utilised to initiate various developmental programmes in hill districts, he said.

He also stated that he will consult with the Chief Minister regarding the need to start the conservation process of Hornbills, which are found abundantly in Raengkikilong, under Tousem subdivision.

Armstrong Pame, Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong district, highlighted the steps and role of the District Administration in the conservation initiatives of Amur Falcon and the necessity to conserve Hornbill bird.

He announced that 500 hectares of land have been declared as community forest and other villages have been convinced to come forward together for setting up more community villages.

The DC informed that the annual Orange Festival will be held for three days from December 13 .

He said that this time, the orange cultivation has increased.

A group of 1,000 choir member will be singing gospel song 'Hallelujah' which will be the highlight of the festival.

Rainforest Club Tamenglong submitted a memorandum demanding separate wildlife division for Tamenglong, increasing forest staff by recruiting local youths, providing alternative livelihood for people dependent on jhum cultivation and logging forest products, promotion of eco-tourism, conservation and protection of Amur Falcon in Tamenglong beyond protection of the roosting sites.

PCCF and HoFF K Angami expressed gratitude to the people of Tamenglong and Noney districts for their initiative in protection and conservation of Amur Falcon, giving safe passage to the birds in their stay in the district.

On the other hand, he also requested the villagers to extend support to the Forest Department officials as well.

This year, Dr Suresh Kumar and his team from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun have satellite tagged five Amur Falcons namely Puching, Irang, Barak, Phalong and Chiulon.

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