70th Wildlife Week 2024: Importance of wildlife and nature conservation stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur/Thoubal, October 06 2024: As part of the 70th Wildlife Week celebrations, an insightful interaction programme focusing on 'The Importance of Loktak Lake, a Ramsar Site' was organized by the Bishnupur Forest Division in collaboration with the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at Sendra, Loktak Lake today.

Additionally, Thoubal Forest Division took out a cycle rally today as part of the 70th Wildlife Week 2024 celebration with a message to protect and conserve wildlife and natural heritage.

At Sendra, the interaction programme aimed to promote awareness of wildlife conservation and addressed how climate change and human activities are impacting the fragile ecosystems of Loktak Lake and the wildlife it supports.

The programme was graced by Chairman of LDA, M Asnikumar Singh as the chief guest, alongside dignitaries including Waikhom Romabai Devi, MFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur Forest Division; Th Nandagram Singh, EE, LDA; forest officers, staff from the Bishnupur Forest Division and enthusiastic students from the Loktak area.

Addressing the gathering, LDA Chairman Asnikumar underscored the importance of wildlife conservation in India, emphasizing the historical steps the country has taken to protect its natural heritage.

He remarked, "Since the enactment of the Indian Forest Act in 1927, followed by the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and the establishment of the Indian Board of Wildlife under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, India has made great strides in wildlife conservation." He also highlighted the unique ecological value of Manipur's Loktak Lake and its relationship with the endangered Sangai deer, found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park.

"Loktak Lake is the cradle of Manipuri civilization and supports an exceptional variety of flora and fauna; including a plethora of rare and threatened species.

For generations, it has been the lifeline of many local communities.

Unfortunately, it faces tremendous biotic pressure.

The commissioning of the Ithai Barrage for electricity generation without proper environmental assessment has severely impacted the lake's ecosystem.

There is an urgent need for sustainable development policies to protect this delicate balance," Asnikumar stressed.

Engaging with the students present, he encouraged them to take an active role in environmental conservation.

He also made a heartfelt appeal to the students present to act as agents of change in driving the conservation mission of Loktak lake in the years ahead.

He further made an appeal to the students to make dedicated efforts towards learning about the flora and fauna that are found in the Loktak Lake and its catchment areas.

The LDA Chairman then elaborated on the efforts of the Manipur Government under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh to elevate Loktak Lake as an iconic wetland globally.

Meanwhile, at Thoubal, the cycle rally was flagged off by RK Amarjit, Special Secretary, Forest and Environment from Waithou Chiru.

The rally culminated at Divisional Forest Office Complex, Thoubal.

Around 100 cyclists, youths, students and Forest staff partook in the rally.

Speaking in this connection, RK Amarjit said that increasing population and infrastructural development has contributed to degradation of forest cover and loss of habitats for wildlife.

He added that the cycle rally was taken out with the goal to cultivate the idea of protecting wildlife including birds among the youth as well as the public.

Without a concerted and all-out effort by everyone, conservation of wildlife and natural heritage such as lakes and wetlands cannot be achieved, he added.

As part of the 70th Wildlife Week celebration, essay competition, painting competition and other programmes have also been conducted, said the Special Secretary, Forest and Environment.

Ningthoujam Deepa, Range Forest Officer Head Quarter; Range Officer Thoubal Dineschandra Salam; Range Officer Kakching Laishram Dinesh and Beat Officers of Thoubal Forest Division also participated in the rally.

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