"Wildlife conservation must become a people's movement"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 05 2026: As part of Wildlife Week 2026, a State-wide Photography Exhibition-cum-Competition on Resident Birds was organised at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, Imphal, celebrating the rich avian diversity of the State and encouraging greater public participation in wildlife conservation.

Organised by the Forest Department, the initiative was aimed at encouraging young people, students, amateur and professional photographers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to observe, appreciate and document the State's rich avian diversity.

"Wildlife conservation must become a people's movement"

It was aimed at transforming photography into a means of creating greater awareness about biodiversity, habitats and the need for their protection, said the Forest Department.

The exhibition showcased 76 photographs of 17 photographers from across the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Anurag Bajpai said that wildlife conservation cannot remain confined to forests and protected areas; it has to become a people's movement.

"Our birds are not merely beautiful elements of nature.

They are important indicators of the health of our ecosystems and an integral part of Manipur's natural heritage," he said.

Through the exhibition, the Forest Department wants to encourage people, particularly the young generation, to observe nature more closely, develop an appreciation for biodiversity and become active partners in its conservation, he added.

The initiative is intended to encourage citizen-led biodiversity documentation and, in the longer term, strengthen birdwatching, conservation education and responsible nature tourism in the State, Bajpai said.

The Forest Department views the exhibition not merely as a photography competition, but as an opportunity to build a stronger bond between people and nature for conservation, he added.

Bajpai emphasised that photography provides a "wonderful bridge" between people and nature.

"With the use of digital cameras and mobile phones, every citizen can potentially contribute to documenting our biodiversity.

We would like to see this initiative evolve into a wider citizen-based effort for biodiversity documentation, awareness and conservation across the State," he said.

Bajpai however asserted that the "welfare of wildlife always comes first".

"Our simple message is Photograph, Don't Disturb," he said.