Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 concludes at Keibul Lamjao
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Bishnupur, November 30 2018: The 10 days long Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 held from November 21 to 30 at the YIC Ground, Keibul Lamjao concluded today.

The festival was jointly organised by the Forest Department and Tourism Department.

Speaking as the chief guest of the closing function, Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar lauded the people living in and around the Keibul Lamjao National Park for supporting the Government officials in organising the festival successfully.

He said that the sincerity, goodness and hospitality of the locals have helped in attracting many tourists in the area.

He also credited the people for their role in the conservation of the Sangai, the State Animal which is only found in Manipur at Keibul Lamjao National Park and appealed them to continue their support in the conservation and preservation of the dancing deer.

Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 concludes at Keibul Lamjao

Regarding the Loktak Lake, he appealed to the people of the State to refrain from harming the ecosystem and damaging the beauty of the lake.

He said construction of illegal buildings, unconventional fishing method using electronic devices and battery, trapping of migratory birds using nets in and around Loktak Lake is posing a great threat to the largest fresh water lake in the entire North East India.

Forest Minister said the mark of the richness of a state or a country is identified with its preservation and conservation of the environment and wildlife.

He said the rich traditional cultural heritage preserved by the elders of the State is an asset and stressed that younger generation must continue to preserve it.

He called upon the people of the State to help in the conservation of environment and wildlife including the Loktak Lake.

T Robindro Singh, Chairman PDA and MLA Thanga, appreciated the Forest Department for availing stalls to the locals and Self Help Groups (SHGs) free of cost and assured that people of Keibul Lamjao will continue to extend their support to the department.

Stating that the festival gave a chance to learn about the culture and tradition of the different state or country, he informed that the number of foreign and domestic tourists has increased.

He concluded his speech by calling upon the local residents to support the Forest Department so that the festival can be organised in a bigger and grandeur way.

It may be mentioned that 70 stalls were opened during the festival at Keibul Lamjao by the local residents and self help groups which were provided by the Forest Department free of cost.

Apart from it, stalls of IT, Police, Health departments were also opened which has provided necessary and emergency help to the people.

The venue was also visited by the tourists from Thailand, Israel, United States and Norway including the Princess of Thailand.