Governor Bhalla in Ukhrul ahead of Shirui Lily Festival
Lily blooms more abundantly this year
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 19 2025: Even as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and his entourage arrived at Ukhrul ahead of the Shirui Lily Festival, it has come to light that community-based intervention focused on the preservation of the Shirui mountain range has borne positive results on the abode of the Shirui Lily.

This year, the blooming of the endangered flower, widely visible across Shongrei Peak, has drawn more visitors since early May, said Yaomikan Shangh, former president of Shirui Youth Club (SYC).

He also mentioned that over 2000 visitors from different districts and villages of Ukhrul have registered in the visitors' diary of Shirui Youth Club.

Lily blooms more abundantly this year

Speaking to this correspondent, Yaomikan said that Shirui village in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur have worked together on preservation of the Shirui mountain range in order to boost the population of the rare and endangered State flower.

According to him, the pilot programme was started in 2023 to study the soil and ecology of the hills from Shongra to Shongrei peak of Shirui mountain, the abode of Shirui Lily.

Initially, the Department with the help of Shirui villagers, put in efforts in controlling and hindering the growth of invasive bamboo species which dominate the habitat of Shirui Lily in Shongrei peak.

The former SYC president maintained that timely destruction of the invasive plant in the area has helped the lilies to accelerate their growth and thrive better than other plants growing alongside them.

Additionally, the Department of Environment & Climate Change designated an expert to study the environment of the mountain, conduct proper surveys and collect data for further research work to ensure preservation of the Shirui mountain.

Moreover, the women's society in the village was provided with a bottle bank to keep the surroundings clean and free from plastic waste.

The support and encouragement from the Department has brought significant changes in the mountain range with a notable increase in the number of lilies blooming as compared to previous years.

The former SYC president attributed this positive development to the collective effort of Shirui villagers and the Department of Environment & Climate Change towards restoring the abode of the Shirui Lily.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla arrived at Ukhrul and inspected the main celebration venue of Shirui Lily festival at Bakshi Ground and Vangayan Heritage Park.

Following this, he headed straight to Nungbi village.

It might be mentioned that the stage is all set for the inauguration of the Shirui Lily festival tomorrow at Vangayan Heritage Park tomorrow at 11.30 am.

The Governor will halt for the night at Ukhrul to attend tomorrow's programme.