Apprehensions over phumdis aired
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08 2019: Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF), Dr Rebika Soibam Chanu, has claimed that there is apprehension that the level of phumdis at Keibul Lamjao National Park is becoming thinner as a resultant effect of the commissioning of Ithai Barrage (which leads to an increase in water level in the park).

She also informed that the National park has been closed till September with immediate effect from today, as a part of the Government policy and as per the instruction given by PCCF (Wildlife) in view of the breeding season of Sangai.

Addressing a press meet held at the State's Forest Department Office located at Mantripukhri today, the DCF further stated that the State Forest Department has tied up with WII and the latter has been conducting a research work on the Phumdis of the National Park to find out whether the phumdis are becoming thinner.

She went on to inform that the State's Forest Department is waiting for the Wildlife Institute of India (WII)'s research findings to ascertain whether the phumdis, which happen to be the habitat of the Sangai, have actually become thin.

However, the Forest Department has been taking up certain measures to consolidate the deteriorating conditions of phumdis at the National Park by erecting bamboos and trying to stretch out the phumdis using ropes.

This initiative helps the phumdis to become compact and thick which in turn enables the Sangai to move freely over the phumdis, the DCF added.

When asked about the security measures being taken up in and around the park to ensure the safety of Sangai, Rebika informed that forest guards along with State police personnel employed at the park, regularly patrol once or twice inside the premises of the park apart from patrolling in the outside circle twice a week.

She also maintained that the Forest Department even take the help of the District Administration when there is a need for carrying out any special task like dealing with arms wielding poachers.

She then expressed happiness that many local clubs and villagers have been helping in the protection of the Sangai and its habitats following various awareness programmes and campaigns by many NGOs, animal activists and Forest Department.

While conveying that the visiting hours for the summer season (March till October) and the winter season (November till February) have been changed from 6 am to 4 pm and from 6.30 am to 3.30 pm respectively, she said that Keibul Lamjao National Park will be closed during the breeding season of the Sangai and asked all to bear the inconveniences caused due to the closure of the park.

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