Ukhrul DIO, UDWJA conduct spot survey of Shirui Kashong
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, May 25 2024:
In an effort to recognise the increasing threats posed to Shirui Lily by climate change and other factors, a joint team of Ukhrul based journalists and department concerned officials on Saturday conducted a one-day spot survey of Shirui Kashong, the lily's only habitat.
The initiative, a collaborative effort of Ukhrul District Information Office (DIO) and Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA), aimed to document the current state of the endangered lily and raise awareness about its plight.
After witnessing the lily 's growth conditions first hand, the team aimed to understand the impact of environmental changes on its survival.
Ukhrul DIO Wungkhan Shimray lauded the local journalists for their proactive role in spearheading this crucial initiative.
He acknowledged the growing concern surrounding the lily's vulnerability due to the impact of climate change and other factors.
UDWJA president Addie Chiphang expressed their gratitude to DIO Wungkhan Shimray for supporting the trip, ensuring the necessary resources were available for the team to conduct the survey successfully.
Upon reaching the peak, the team was greeted with beautiful yet a scattered array of blooming Shirui lilies and many plants with their petals at different stages of wilting.
Talking to the team, the local villagers revealed that the bloom season was nearing its end and some plants have started shedding their petals for the current season.
The team also observed the arduous conditions under which the lilies thrived amidst the dense undergrowth of Maram, a bamboo-like plant which is also native to Kashong, The villagers shared their concerns about Maram posing a significant threat to the survival of the rare lilies.
They explained that the bamboo's extensive root system inhibited the sprouting of lily bulbs, hindering their propagation.
"The uncontrolled spread of Maram has drastically diminished the available habitat for lily growth," lamented a villager, while adding, "This problem arose after the suspension of annual controlled burning on the peak, imposed by forest regulations".
Meanwhile, sweltering conditions prevailed on most of the hilltops, except the highest peak, Shongshang, which remained mostly enveloped by chilly winds and clouds.