PCCF assures to consult stakeholders
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2022: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Dr AK Joshi has said that the State Government will not take any resolution to build another home for Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) without consulting with the stakeholders and people concerned in advance.

The 47th foundation day of Manipur Zoological Garden was conducted today at Iroisemba.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observance, the PCCF continued that the draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) was released in July this year after consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) .

Stating that all measures for Sangai conservation, including setting up another home will be taken up as per the provisions of IMP, Dr Joshi said that the State has been looking for a proper place to build the home for the State animal.

Dr Joshi said that IMP for Keibul Lamjao National Park includes conservation and scientific breeding of Sangai as well as population estimation of the State animal.

The population estimation could not be conducted for two years due to Covid pandemic, he added.

Further stating that the Government is preparing to prepare IMPs for other wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur too, Dr Joshi maintained that the wildlife scenario in the State has improved considerably since the last 50 years.

The rate of sighting wildlife outside protected areas is increasing, he added.

There was no proper mechanism to protect wildlife in Manipur before the enactment of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, he said and added that many protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves have been set up after the Wildlife Protection Act came into force.

Dr Joshi further said that a proposal has been sent to the Centre to declare Razai Khullen in Ukhrul where a number of State bird Nongins were sighted by a group of wildlife photographers recently as a community reserve.

A similar proposal has also been sent to declare Chiuluan in Tamenglong which is known for protecting Amur Falcon as a community reserve, he added.

Stating that many more measures will be initiated to protect wildlife, Dr Joshi appealed to the people to conserve wildlife and biodiversity.

The PCCF said that October 2 is also the day of commencement of National Wildlife Week and the birth anniversary of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

Director of Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG) L Biramangol said that the Centre Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) recognised MZG as a medium sized zoological garden for it houses rare and indigenous wild birds and animals.

He also said that MZG is prone to flooding due to its location.

Saying that MZG was used only for recreational purpose in the past but is now utilised as a site of ex-situ conservation now, L Biramangol continued that a captive breeding centre of Nongin is also opened at MZG.

Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) L Joykumar and DFO (Wildlife) Vahneichong Singson also attended the programme.

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