Count down to 30 yrs of Shamballei Shekpil
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19, 2011: Countdown to 30 years of Shamballei Shekpil (botanical name : Duranta Repens Linn), which has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest topiary, is all set to be commemorated for 30 days starting from April 1. Announcing this during a press conference at Manipur Press Club here today, Moirangthem Okendra, who has groomed Shamballei Shekpil to perfection, informed that his topiary is going to complete 30 years on April 31. To commemorate the event, countdown programmes are being planned for 30 days commencing from April 1.As part of these countdown programmes, literature on the history of Shamballei Shekpil, how it started growing and how it enters the Guinness Book of World Records would be published and distributed among the people.

The comments of foreign visitors on Shamballei Shekpil would also be spread among the people and a painting competition for school children would be organised, Okendra disclosed.

Okendra further informed that a memorial complex is due to come up at Kumbi where growing of the now world-fame Shamballei Shekpil has been started.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been launching a fast unto death agitation for more than 10 years now demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act has donated a sum of Rs 25,000 for the purpose.

The complex would spread over an area of around 300 hectares and various infrastructures related to science and technology, history, educational and sports would be set up in due course of time, Okendra said, while seeking monetary assistance from the patrons of Shamballei Shekpil since construction of a memorial complex of such proportion would require huge fund.

In response to a question from mediapersons, Okendra informed that his Shamballei Shekpil was 61 feet tall from the ground at the time of entering the Guinness Book of World Records.

However, due to lack of patronage from the side of the Government and its related authorities, around 12 feet on top as well as on the lower portion have been dried up since 2006.At present, Shaballei Shekpil stands at 49 feet.

Okendra said that he has been trying very hard to keep the topiary alive by providing around 200 litres of water and other liquid waste from preparing fishes and meats.

Apart from the need for use of insecticide/pesticide from time to time to present the topiary from being attacked with pest and other diseases, artificial harmone too is required for proper grooming of Shamballei Shekpil, Okendra informed, adding that he has not be able to meet all these requirements all by himself anymore.

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