PCCF directs DFO Wildlife to improve management at State Orchidarium
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 13 2025: Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Anurag Bajpai inspected the State Orchidarium at Khonghampat, Imphal West with an aim to promote eco-tourism and promote conservation of endemic, endangered and rare orchids.

The PCCF was accompanied by L Joykumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial & Wildlife) and Vikram Nadhe, DFO (Central Forest Division) .

DFO (Wildlife) Th Autumn, who is also in-charge of State Orchidarium, was present during the inspection.

During the visit, Anurag Bajpai inspected the entire management of activities at the State Orchidarium.

He conveyed his dissatisfaction at the present state of affairs and directed the DFO (Wildlife) to improve the State Orchidarium in a quick time, said a statement released by the Forest Department.

Since the flowering season of orchids has started and will reach its peak in the month of May, that would also increase visitors footfall, there is an urgent need to improve the management, he said.

Bajpai inspected the orchid species maintained in earthen pots, plots of ground orchids, interpretation centre, facilities for tourists, trek route up to the top of the hill etc.

He observed that the names of orchid species were on display only at a few places.

He conveyed his serious concern on the maintenance of orchids particularly those in earthen pots and planted on the ground.

Bajpai also noted the impact of dust on orchids as a result of construction of National Highway and cutting of hills.

He further directed the DFO (Wildlife) to put his resources including Mali on full use and ensure regular maintenance and watering/ moisturization of the orchid plants.

He directed the DFO to display names of orchid species immediately.

He also gave directions for immediate -improvement of the entry path, interpretation hall, Orchid display house, Hawa Mahals, cloak room, trek route up to the top of the hill, public & VIP toilets etc .

DFO (Wildlife) was further directed to work on a project to develop a mechanism to maintain moisture through sprinklers in the entire Orchidarium complex.

Bajpai asked the DFO (Central Forest Division) to develop a circuit for eco-tourism at Imphal West by connecting State Orchidarium, Bambusetum, Arboretum and Biodiversity Park under development at Khonghampat through trek route, connecting Heingang Nagar Van and Polo Marjing.

Bajpai also directed the Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial & Wildlife) for regular monitoring of activities at the State Orchidarium.

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