CM calls for collective effort to protect Sangai
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, April 16 2015 : Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi has urged the people and officials concerned to collectively work to save the indigenous Sangai, a rare species of deer and its only natural habitat, the Keibul Lamjao in Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district.

"The state Government is always ready to give all it can to preserve the rare Sangai deer," CM Ibobi stated during the opening function of a two-day national level workshop on "Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sangai" hosted by Institute of Bioresearch and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat, Imphal.

Attending as the chief guest in the function, CM Ibobi further said in order to develop and improve the condition of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) which is the only habitat of Sangai, the ecosystem and condition of the Loktak Lake need to be developed first.

"The state Government always welcomes suggestions and feedbacks from the public and NGOs in this regard in the interest of the State and its people," Ibobi said.

He appreciated the interest of IBSD in organising such a workshop on conservation of Sangai and urged all to co-operate with each other and collectively work towards the common goal of protecting the 'endangered' animals' especially the Sangai.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam Gangmei who was also attending as guest of honour at the function highlighted the importance of Sangai, saying the endangered deer has become the brand ambassador of Manipur to the rest of the world and that even the annual mega festival of Manipur has been named after the rare deer as 'Sangai Festival.' He appealed all to play the role of 'crusaders' to ensure better survival of Sangai.

Gaikhangam also emphasized the need to protect and improve Loktak Lake where the KLNP is located.

Gaikhangam added that the government needs full co-operation from the public in making Manipur a major part of the global tourist map, and appealed to all citizens to preserve the rich flora and fauna of the State.

President of the function and IBSD Director Professor Deenabandhu Sahu revealed the current number of Sangai deer as only 204, and suggested all to work with a scientific approach to preserve and increase the population of the deer which plays a vital role in the Manipuri society and its arts and culture.

He said that the workshop was being organised to instil scientific knowledge to the people on the conservation of Sangai and appealed to all to protect the rich bio-resources of Manipur too.

The opening function 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, noted scientists from different States of the country among others.

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