Awareness campaign on migratory waterbirds held at Thinungei
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, January 04 2026: A one-day sensitization and awareness campaign titled "Welcome to Migratory Waterbirds 2025-26", was held at Starland Academy, Thinungei on Sunday, under the theme "Human-Bird Co-existence: Let's Save Our Birds, Our Ecosystem and Our Environment (BEE)" .

As per a release issued by the Manipur Bird Club, the programme was organized by the Manipur Bird Club (MBC), in collaboration with Pole Star Guardians Association, Thinungei Makha Youth Club (TMYC), and Loyalakpa Youth Association, Thinungei.

The programme was graced by Dr Khangembam Shamungou, President, Manipur Bird Club; N Rupachandra, Principal, Starland Academy, Thinungei; and Hidangmayum Geetchandra Sharma, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Moirang Range, as the functional presidium members.

Oinam Bobo, advisor of Thinungei Makha Youth Club, formally welcomed the dignitaries and participants.

Addressing the gathering, Kumam Jugeshor, vice-president of MBC, highlighted the rich diversity of waterbirds that once thrived at Loktak Lake prior to the construction of the Ithai Barrage, recording 38 resident species, 18 partially migratory species, and 70 migratory species.

He presented recent Waterbird Census data indicating a sharp decline in bird numbers and species diversity over the past few years, and appealed to the public to take collective responsibility for safeguarding Manipur's avian heritage.

Expressing concern over the disappearance of several waterbird species, N Rupachandra, vice-president of Loyalakpa Youth Association, called for active community participation in waterbird conservation.

He stressed the need for further consultations, brainstorming sessions, and discussions on establishing a sustainable bird sanctuary at Thinungei with the involvement of local communities.

Khoyumthem Brajesh, President, Wildlife Explorers, Manipur, said the declining number of waterbirds is a clear indicator of deteriorating wetland health, attributing major impacts to the Ithai Barrage and loss of lakeshore ecosystems.

H Geetchandra Sharma, RFO, Moirang Range, spoke on the harmful effects of poisoning, hunting, and trapping of birds, along with water pollution and overexploitation of lake resources.

He underscored the need to regulate intensive fishing activities and explore sustainable livelihood options to improve the income levels of fishermen.

In his presidential address, Dr Kh Shamungou recalled the historic decision of January 4, 1935, when the then Manipur State Darbar (Notice No 115A) prohibited the hunting and killing of waterbirds and animals at Loktak Lake.

Commemorating this landmark decision, he said the Manipur Bird Club initiated the awareness campaign to revive the spirit of conservation.

He appealed to the community to act as social and environmental guardians of waterbirds, emphasizing their role as biological indicators of the health of Loktak Lake.

He also announced that similar sensitization and awareness programmes will be organised every month in villages around Loktak Lake, in consultation with local communities.

A pledge for the protection and safeguarding of waterbirds and animals at Loktak Lake was administered by Budha Khwairakpam, with active participation from all attendees.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by N Prakash, President, Thinungei Makha Youth Club.

The event witnessed active participation from forest officials, youths, environmentalists, ornithologists, wildlife explorers, and members of the local community.

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