KLNP loses 9 pc thickness annually
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 21 2017: The floating biomass (phumdi) of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) which is the only natural habitat of the rare and endangered Sangai is becoming thinner by 9 per cent every year .

This was stated by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Director and scientist Dr SA Hussain at a consultation workshop of legislators, administrators and media held today at Hotel Classic Grande under the aegis of Forest Department and WII .

The workshop which was opened by Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar was attended by many MLAs, police and civil officials and media persons .

Presenting a report about their studies of Sangai and KLNP, Dr SA Hussain said that Sangais live in around 16 sq Kms even though KLNP is 40 sq Kms in area .

Out of the 16 sq Kms where Sangais live, phumdis spread over 8 sq Kms are quite healthy .

Sangai migrated from Java around 75,000 years back and they are now genetically very weak.

Annual floods and loss of phumdis have been causing serious threats to the survival of Sangai at KLNP .

With some of the Sangai fawns dying before attaining maturity, the population of Sangai fawns at KLNP is not stable.

The death of Sangai fawns is being investigated by a veterinary doctor, Dr SA Hussain said .

He suggested declaration of Pumlen Pat as conservation reserve and transfer Sangais there from KLNP .

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest K Angami said that both the Forest Department and WII are of the view that Pumlen Pat would be best suited for development as another natural habitat of Sangai .

He remarked that confinement of Sangai to a particular place would breed survival problems for the endangered deer species .

Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar said that he had talked with the Chief Minister about the negative impacts of Ithai Barrage on KLNP .

"I made a proposal to keep Ithai Barrage open for at least some months", Shyamkumar said .

Hiyanglam AC MLA Dr Th Radheshyam pointed out that rehabilitation of Sangai at Pumlen Pat would be problematic for people living around it if alternative sources of livelihood are not arranged for them as they are primarily dependent on fishing and cultivation of paddy .

Nonetheless, Forest officials clarified that there would be no restriction on fishing, cultivation of paddy and gathering vegetables at Pumlen Pat even when Sangais are rehabilitated at Pumlen Pat as a conservation reserve .

WII scientist Ruchi Budola and DFO (Park and Sanctuary) Arun RS presented papers during the technical session of the workshop where Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment in-charge) Shambhu Singh was also present.

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