71st Wildlife Week Celebration 2025 continues across State
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Tbl/Jbm/Bpr/Tpl/Cdl, October 06 2025: The 71st Wildlife Week Celebration.

2025, held from Oct 2 to 8, is being observed across Manipur with various awareness and educational programmes promoting the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

THOUBAL

The Thoubal Forest Division organised a districtlevel awareness programme on Wildlife Conservation at Khongjom War Memorial Complex Community Hall, marked by the valedictory function of the 71st Wildlife Week Celebration 2025.The valedictory function, held as part of the weeklong national observance from October 2 to 8, was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, Hannah Kamei; Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dr L Jeeceelee; and Additional SP Thoubal, N Suraj, who graced the event as chief guest, president, and guest of honour respectively.

As part of the programme, a special session on Snake Rescue was also conducted with research scholars from Manipur University's Department of Zoology, Nongthombam Hemeshwor Singh and Jenishkumar Thingujam, serving as resource persons.

The session focused on safe handling practices and the ecological importance of snakes in maintaining environmental balance.

During the event, winners of various district-level competitions - including painting, essay, and quiz contests - organised throughout the Wildlife Week were felicitated with awards.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Thoubal Hannah Kamei emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting wildlife.

She noted that despite the Forest Department's continuous efforts to prevent poaching and illegal wildlife trade, public awareness and cooperation remain key to preserving ecological harmony.

"Only when people act responsibly and value nature beyond personal interest can our environment truly be conserved," she remarked.

The event was also attended by SDO Thoubal Arvind Hanglem, CMO Thoubal Dr Y Nokul, Range Officer Thoubal Dineshchandra Salam, Range Officer Kakching Huidrom Sundar, and other forest officials and staff and school students from various schools of Thoubal and Kakching district.

JIRIBAM

With an aim to enrich the knowledge about various species of plants and animals to the students, the Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam Forest Division on Monday conducted a Nature Trail Walk for the school students at Ningsingkhul Biodiversity Park, Jiribam as part of the week-long 71 st Wildlife Week Celebration, 2025.The Nature Trail Walk was participated by around 150 students from various schools, including New Life School, Jiri Higher Secondary School.

RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, and Highway English School.

During the walk, the students were given the experience of walking in the forest and explained about the various flora and fauna found in the area and the ecosystem of the park.

The objective of the Nature Trail Walk was to educate students about the importance of wildlife conservation and the ecosystem.

By targeting school students, the division aims to instill a sense of compassion towards nature and wildlife, recognizing that they are the future of the nation.

During the event, the Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam, Elangbam Nirmala Chanu briefed the students about the importance of every life form, from small insects to large mammals.

She emphasized the need for human and wildlife to coexist and the protection of natural habitats for the survival of wild animals.

The students were also encouraged to inform the Forest Department if any wild animal is found in distress or if someone is indulging in illegal hunting or selling of wild animals.

BISHNUPUR

The winners of the Quiz, Essay, and Painting Competition held under the theme "Living With Wildlife", organised in connection with the 71st Wildlife Week Celebration, 2025, were felicitated today by the Bishnupur Forest Division.

The felicitation programme, held at the campus of Bishnupur Forest Division, recognised young talents with cash awards and citations.

The event was graced by Divisional Forest Officer of Bishnupur Forest Division, Waikhom Romaabi; Wildlife Explorer and Green Brigade founder Elangbam Premjit; and Advisor of Sendra Youth Club, Kh.

Budha, who served as presidium members.

During the ceremony, Romaabi highlighted the importance of engaging youth in conservation efforts, stating that such competitions aim to spread awareness among students - the future guardians of wildlife and nature.

She emphasised the need to protect migratory birds arriving at Loktak Lake during winter, likening the killing of these birds to harming honoured guests.

Romaabi further noted that conserving Loktak, its forests, and wildlife cannot be achieved by the Department alone but requires collective participation from all sections of society.

TENGNOUPAL

In observance of Wildlife Week 2025, the Tengnoupal Forest Division successfully organised a Village Level Wildlife awareness programme at Moljol and a guided Bird Watching Trail Walk at Thamlai today under the theme "Human-Animal Coexistence".

The programme saw active participation from the students of Moljol Primary School, who enthusiastically engaged in various awareness activities, discussions, and interactive sessions highlighting the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitats.

The guided bird watching trail at Thamlai offered the students a first-hand experience to observe local avian species, fostering appreciation for the region's biodiversity.

CHANDEL

The Divisional Forest Officer, Chandel, observed World Habitat Day today at Chandel Multipurpose Hall, with an awareness rally as part of the ongoing 71st Wildlife Week Celebration 2025, which is being observed nationwide from October 2 to 8.The rally, which began from Little One School campus in Chandel Bazar and culminated at the DC Complex, saw enthusiastic participation from around 150 students.

It was flagged off by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandel, Md Firoz, and Dr N Munal Meitei, DFO Chandel.

During the rally, students carried placards and chanted slogans promoting the conservation and protection of forests and wildlife.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Munal emphasised that this year's World Habitat Day theme, "Urban Crisis Response," focuses on addressing challenges arising from climate change, urbanisation, and social inequality while encouraging inclusive and sustainable living.

He noted that habitat is essential for all living beings, providing food, protection, and space for growth.

However, he cautioned that rapid urban expansion, deforestation, and pollution have led to the degradation of natural habitats and the decline of many wildlife species.

Dr Munal therefore appealed for collective community efforts in conserving wildlife and restoring natural ecosystems.

As part of the observance, a Quiz Competition was also organised, with students from four institutes of Chandel participating.

Koinonia Training School secured the first position, followed by Oak Hill Christian School in second place and Oriental Academy, Chandel in third.

The event concluded with a call for continued awareness and action to preserve habitats and protect the delicate balance between humans and nature.

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