PCCF pitches for conserving wildlife, forests
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 07 2024: Principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Anurag Bajpai has said that protecting wildlife and forests not only help in preserving the natural environment but also demonstrates collective maturity and responsibility in upholding identity and heritage of the state.

As part of the 70th Wildlife Week 2024 observance by the Wildlife Wing of the forest department, a workshop on the theme 'Wildlife conservation through coexistence' was conducted at Hotel Imphal on Monday.

PCCF and head of forest force Anurag Bajpai, who attended inaugural session of the workshop as chief guest, cautioned that as anthropogenic activities pose serious threat to wildlife and forest consequently impacting the fragile ecosystem, humans should not indulge in any activity that could cause imbalance to the natural environment.

Though humans have inseparable relation with nature and wildlife, the forest department alone cannot protect wildlife, he conceded and called for cohesion and collective efforts by concerned stakeholders, NGOs and CSOs to protect the wildlife.

Conservator of forests (wildlife) Longjam Jayku-mar, who also attended the inaugural session, said present status of 11 select species of wildlife found in the state will be thoroughly discussed with experts during the workshop.

The workshop will also figure discussions on how these 11 species could be preserved and protected and expand their habitat, he said adding that recommendation of the workshop will be submitted to the government for effective implementation.

Additional chief conservator of forests Soreiphi Vashum also attended the inaugural session.

During technical session of workshop, wildlife activist and IUCN (deer species) member Dr Khangenbam Samungou presented a talk on Sangai while wildlife activist (photographer) Sanasam Okendra deliberated on state bird, Nongin.

While DFO Churachandpur L Ser-to briefed the gathering on Hullock Gibbon, ornithologist Kumam Jugeshor talked on migratory bird.

BNHS Mumbai assistant director Dr Rajat Bhagarva also presented a talk on Hornbill during the technical session.

In their presentations wildlife activist and senior journalist Salam Rajesh elaborated on Slow Loris, Tamenglong DFO Kharibam Hitler on Tiger and Elephant, wildlife activist and additional director (health) Dr Chambo Gonmei on Amur Falcon, research scholar Aw Thotrinphi on Shirui Lily, and professor Ch Ibohal of Manipur Institute of Management Studies, Manipur University on 'Promotion of sustainable tourism in Manipur' .

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