Waterbird motivation camp underway at Sendra
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 10 2025:
Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar inaugurated a two-day Waterbird Motivation Camp 2025 at the LDA's conference hall, Lake Front, Sendra, Loktak Lake on Friday.
Organised jointly by the LDA and the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), the camp is supported by the Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum (ESRSPF), the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, and the Department of Forest.
The camp aims to train enumerators for the forthcoming waterbird census, create conservation awareness, and promote discussions on preserving waterbirds, particularly migratory species at Loktak Lake.
As part of the programme, participants will conduct a simultaneous waterbird census across 50 designated spots on January 18 .
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The inaugural event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Technical Committee, State Wetlands Authority chairman Dr Kh Shamungou, who is also a member of the Deer Specialist Group, IUCN; environment and climate change director Dr T Brajakumar; LDA project director Ng Sanajaoba; IBCN state coordinator and principal of Mangolnganbi College, Ningthoukhong, RK Birjit; renowned waterbird conservationist K Jugeshwor; and assistant conservator of forest, wildlife wing, N Pabitra.
Around 150 volunteers and enumerators, including experts from across the state, participated in the camp.
They engaged in technical sessions that included discussions on an overview of waterbirds in Loktak and its associated wetlands, bird identification, census techniques, AWC forms, site allocation, and field demonstrations using cameras and binoculars.
In his inaugural address, M Asnikumar highlighted the alarming decline in avian species in Loktak Lake.
Lamenting that the lake, once home to 127 bird species, now hosts fewer than 50, he described this decline as a signal of ecological crisis and emphasised its implications for the cultural heritage of the state.
Asnikumar also underlined the commitment of chief minister N Biren to the restoration and conservation of Loktak Lake, attributing the state's conservation efforts to the CM's vision and dedication to safeguarding the lake's unique biodiversity and the livelihoods it supports.
He further announced plans to expand the waterbird census to include other wetlands across the state, emphasising collaboration with stakeholders and communities.
"Manipur is home to 724 wetlands, with Loktak being the most significant, and outlined a plan to conduct a simultaneous census across all wetlands in the coming year," he noted, exuding hope that this initiative would amplify awareness, increase youth participation, and strengthen conservation efforts throughout the state.
At the same time, Asnikumar appealed to the people of the state to join the restoration and conservation efforts for Loktak Lake.
He described Loktak as the lifeline of the state and the cradle of Manipuri civilisation.
He called on citizens, especially the youth, to become ambassadors of conservation, stressing that their active involvement would secure the future of Loktak, its wetlands, and the rich heritage and biodiversity they represent.
The Waterbird Motivation Camp 2025 marks a significant step in safeguarding Loktak Lake's ecological and cultural heritage, reaffirming the commitment to conservation, community engagement, and a sustainable future.