Bird traps seized from Ikop Pat
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, February 04 2026: In its continued drive to protect and conserve wildlife and ecology, a joint team of the Thoubal Forest Range staff, the Joint Co-ordination Committee for Wildlife & Biodiversity (JCCWB), Manipur, and the Tree Planters Organisation for Save Environment (TPOSE), conducted an operation at surrounding areas of Ikop Pat in Thoubal district and seized 11 bird traps and also recovered 5 five birds caught innets.

The drive was carried out under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DEO), Thoubal, Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee.

According to officials, some of the recovered birds belong to rare and endangered species.

The carcasses of birds recovered during the operation will be disposed of after proper identification at the Range Forest Office.

Speaking in connection with the drive, JCCWB convenor Romesh Ningthoujam said that reports had been received about Certain individuals continuing bird trapping as a means of livelihood.

He appealed to those involved to shift to alternative professions and cooperate in efforts to conserve and protect birds and other wildlife.

He further urged the public to immediately inform the nearest Forest Office or concerned authorities related to wildlife, if anyone is found killing birds using air guns, trapping them or poisoning them.

Citing legal provisions, he said that such offences are punishable with imprisonment ranging from three to seven years and fines upto Rs 25,000 under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974, and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.Emphasising the importance of wildlife, Romesh said that wildlife existed long before human beings and should not be driven towards extinction by human greed.

He called upon the people to treat birds and other wildlife as close companions and actively participated in their protection to safeguard the environment.

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