Deer sightings increases as afforestation fails
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 29 2024:
Painting a grim and realistic picture of failing forest conservation efforts, people are frequently witnessing pairs of wild deer leaving the safety of Phayeng forest at night to quench their thirst from the nearby river and also to search for food.
Located at a distance of 15 km from Imphal, locals of Phayeng in Imphal West district have been taking care of the nearby forest since time immemorial.
However, in the past few days, locals have spotted at least two deer leaving the forest to drink from the Maklang River, flowing at the foothills of Phayeng hills, and searching for food.
In this regard, Phayeng Apunba Umang Committee representative Angom Jiten conveyed to The People's Chronicle that since May-June last year, at least two deer, rarely spotted in previous years, were sighted coming out from the woods at night in Sudonglok area near Phayeng forest and staying at the river bank.
The sightings became more frequent over the months.
As per a local belief, if the deer are spotted leaving the woods, it is ominous, spelling the occurrence of unwanted incidents.
There is another popular belief that the deer leaving the woods is a sign of war, telling the people to flee for their lives.
However the beliefs, all of it could be attributed to simple coincidences, he remarked.
Jiten continued that the Laibung of Phayeng village had been protecting the 200 acres wide of forest area since time immemorial.
Around 55 years ago, the Phayeng Apunba Umang Committee was formed and it took over the responsibility of protecting the forest.
Every day, the Committee rosters four people from the village for this duty.
However, this task has been suspended in view of the dangers associated with prevailing conflict.
He informed that if anyone is found felling a tree branch or the tree itself, the individual has to pay a heavy fine.
However, villagers are permitted to enter the forest in January and February to collect or fell dried woods, branches, etc.
The committee charges Rs 20-30 per bundle and the money is kept as its (committee) fund.
In this way, the people of Phayeng have been protecting the forests in the area since the time of their forefathers, he added.
Jiten said that despite the frequent sightings of the deer in the area, the villagers have left the wildlife alone.
However, there were some Kuki villages at the back of the hill of Phayeng forest and the residents used to hunt the wildlife in the forest.
Since the villages are now left empty due to the prevailing conflict, there is a possibility that the deer may have ventured out of the woods due to less threat perception.
Aside from the deer, some felines and other animals are believed to inhabit the forests.
Urging all concerned to protect the forests in their respective areas so that the resident wildlife can live as freely as possible, Jiten said that protecting forests also help in conservation of the environment.
He also appealed to all concerned to stop poaching and killing wild animals and birds.