Forest Department launches plantation drive at Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 29 2025: As part of the Van Mahotsav celebrations, the Forest Department launched a tree plantation drive at Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary (KCWS), located near the ecologically significant Keibul Lamjao National Park - globally recognised as the world's only floating national park.

According to a press release from the Forest Department, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, local volunteers, forest officials, and personnel from the armed and paramilitary forces.

Hundreds of indigenous saplings were planted with the objective of restoring degraded forest patches, improve wildlife habitats, and enhance ecological balance.

The drive also featured awareness sessions on the importance of afforestation and its direct impact on the health of nearby ecosystems such as Keibul Lamjao.

The planted saplings, symbolic of a long-term investment in environmental sustainability, are expected to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in the region.

Keibul Lamjao National Park is famed for being the only natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer (brow-antlered deer).

The park's distinctive phumdis - floating biomass - is central to its wetland ecosystem and offers exceptional opportunities for eco-tourism.

Tourists are drawn not only by the presence of rare wildlife but also by the park's scenic beauty, traditional fishing communities, and rich cultural heritage.

Eco-tourism activities such as adventure trails, nature walks, boating, sightseeing towers, and a Sangai interpretation centre are being developed to further enhance visitor engagement.

These efforts are being undertaken in coordination with the state's Trade, Commerce and Industries Department.

Initiatives include the establishment of a Craft Handloom Village at Keibul, capacity-building programmes under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, and the formation of Eco Development Committees to strengthen both local livelihoods and the hospitality sector.

Officials noted that the event reflects a growing environmental consciousness among communities and institutions in Manipur.

The link between eco-tourism and conservation was clearly demonstrated, with the plantation drive underscoring the broader goal of ecological restoration.

With Keibul Lamjao National Park and Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary both playing crucial roles in preserving regional biodiversity, such initiatives serve as vital platforms for engaging youth, promoting sustainable tourism, and fostering collective responsibility for the protection Of the natural environment.

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