Governor VK Duggal calls for intervention to save Shirui Lily
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Shirui (Ukhrul), May 15 2014 : Governor VK Duggal on Thursday called for concerted effort in protecting and promoting Shirui Lily, the state flower of Manipur, lest it may get extinct forever due to the impact of climate change on the precious flower.

In his inaugural address as chief guest of Shirui Lily Week observance here today, Duggal said, "Experts felt the flower (Shirui Lily) may become extinct due to climate change.

The number of flowers per stalk is dwindling�....If no intervention is made, the Lily may be lost forever" .

The Governor cited factors like rising temperature and forest fire which have adversely affected the growth of Lily, the state flower known for its uniqueness around the globe.

He vehemently called for collective consciousness among the people to work on protecting and promoting the ecosystem of Shirui Lily.

Duggal was today accompanied by his wife Madhu Duggal, while his entourage included Principal Secretary (Works) Ramnganing Muivah and Raj Bhavan Secretary RK Nimai.

Governor VK Duggal at Shirui Lily Week observance

A host of special guests attended the function including Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Modak Hrisheekesh Arvind, DIG 10 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier Peeyush Pandey, 41 AR Commandant Col.Gaurav Bose, Ukhrul Superintendent of Police S.Selvan and Tangkhul Naga Long president Artax A Shimray.

The Governor praised the marathon theme "Burn Calories, Not Forest," which he felt was in tune with an effort to save the ecology.

A mini marathon race was also kicked off from TNL ground with a photo finish at Shirui village, the venue of the weeklong event.

He was also quite concerned about the deteriorating ecology at Shirui hill, which experiences jhumming, forest fire and wanton felling of tree every year.

"Water crisis is hitting Ukhrul due to wanton feeling of trees," observed the chief guest who iterated that Shirui Lily can attract tourists at large scale.

While mentioning the need for proper publicity, he emphasised its potential with good hospitality for rural tourism.

He also assured assistance in his own capacity towards the protection and promotion of Shirui Lily, and encouraged the public to continue with their effort towards promoting the state flower.

Duggal, a former Home Secretary, was at his best to entertain with his speech sprinkled with Tangkhul dialect that was warmly responded with approving laughters from the audiences.

This year, the Shirui Lily Week has been planned to organise with much fanfare and traditional fervours.

Authorities of the two Shirui villages submitted a 10-point representation to the visiting Governor who later assured the villagers of looking into the matters at the right earnest.

The memo stresses on the overall development of the village with basic focus on tourism, environment, education, sports and youth affairs among other things.

Yesterday, Governor VK Duggal held interaction with district level officers of Ukhrul and paid an inspection to the District Hospital to take stock of the prevailing healthcare facilities.

At around 2pm, the Governor accompanied by first lady of the State and wife Madhu Duggal arrived at Ukhrul after a stopover at Lambui village where he inspected a newly constructed Centrally-sponsored district hospital at Naga Gate, Hundung.

The Governor also held an interaction with the DLOs at around 3pm and later visited present district hospital, where he interacted with doctors and nurses besides the patients in the wards.

Taking advantage of the visit, Chief Medical Officer Ng.

Raikhan submitted a memorandum to the visiting Governor, while the latter assured him of apprising the State government to look into their demands.

The Governor halted the night at the Guest House of 10 Sector of Assam Rifles at Somsai in Ukhrul.