Waterbirds awareness campaign held at Loktak Lake
Source: The Sangai Express

Bihsnupur, January 04 2025: A one-day Waterbirds awareness campaign was held today at Laishoi Hill, Takmu and Sagram, Keibul Lamjao in Bishnupur district.

The campaign was organised by the Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum (ESRSPF), Manipur in collaboration with ROSCA Club Sagram, Keibul Lamjao, and Laishoi Youth Club and sponsored by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Government of Manipur, and the Forest Department, Government of Manipur.

The event brought together prominent stakeholders, conservationists, and community members, including M Asnikumar Singh, chairman, LDA, Ng Sanajaoba Meitei, project director, LDA, Waikhom Romabai Devi, MFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur district, Ningthouja Dinesh Singh, Zilla Parishad member, Thanga, Kh Brajesh Singh, president, Wildlife Explorer Manipur and renowned wildlife photographer, Kumam Jugeshwore Singh, renowned Waterbird conservationist, Oinam Maipakchao Singh, National Youth Awardee and president of United Clubs Thanga, Haobijam Sanayaima Singh, secretary general, ESRSPF, officials of LDA and the Forest Department, and representatives of local voluntary organisations, Meira Paibis and community members.

The campaign presided over by M Asnikumar, chairman of LDA, served as a platform for exchanging ideas and emphasizing Loktak Lake's role as a sanctuary for waterbirds and a crucial nesting area for migratory species.

The programme featured interactive discussions that highlighted the uniqueness of Loktak's avifauna and its cultural and ecological significance.

In his address, M Asnikumar Singh underlined the importance of community participation in conserving Loktak Lake's waterbirds, which have played a pivotal role in its designation as a Ramsar site.

"Loktak would not be considered a Ramsar site without its waterbirds.

Their presence is vital not just ecologically but also culturally", he added.

Kumam Jugeshwore Singh, a noted waterbird conservationist, delivered the keynote address, shedding light on rare and significant waterbird species, including the Red-crested Pochard, Mandarin Duck, and Tufted Pochard, which have recently been sighted after decades.

He highlighted the deep connection between the lake's avifauna and the state's cultural traditions.

W Romabai Devi, DFO Bishnupur district, stressed the need for a participatory approach to protect migratory birds visiting Loktak Lake.

She highlighted the importance of collective efforts and briefed on the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting, trapping, poaching, and selling of these birds.

Ng Sanajaoba Meitei, Project Director of LDA, described the arrival of migratory birds at Loktak Lake as a breathtaking natural marvel, almost divine in its essence.

Highlighting LDA's conservation efforts, he remarked, "These birds undertake an extraordinary journey of over 20,000 kilometres to reach Loktak - a feat of nature that demands our utmost respect and action.

Our participation in the waterbird census underscores their vital role in restoring Loktak's ecological balance".

The campaign concluded with a collective call for community participation in conserving Loktak Lake's avifauna and a reaffirmation of the commitment to protect its rich biodiversity.

"Conserving Loktak Lake is about preserving the soul of Manipur.

Let us unite to safeguard Loktak - for our culture, our people, and future generations," appealed M Asnikumar Singh.

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