Process on to declare Kharungpat a bird sanctuary: Joykumar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, June 29 2025: Chief conservator of forests Manipur L Joykumar has appealed to the public to extend support in the declaration of Kharungpat in Kakching district as a bird sanctuary and a Ramsar site in view of the presence of large number of birds including migratory birds at the water body.

The chief conservator gave the clarion call during his speech at the tree plantation drive organised by Keirak-Wabagai Zilla Parishad Administrative Committee member Salam Dhanabir Luwang under the aegis of Thoubal Forest Division at Regional Buffalo Breeding Farm, Wabagai and Keirak-Wabagai Cheirao Ching on Saturday, as part of 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam 2.0' and Van Mahotsav 2025.Joykumar opined that proposal made by the local MLA, ZP member, CSOs and public to designate Kharungpat as a bird sanctuary is justified as it is an important water body of Manipur.

While disclosing that the forest department has already initiated relevant process for declaring Kharungpat as bird sanctuary under Section 18 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, he explained that among other exhaustive procedures including issuance of a formal notification under Section 18, the final notification from the deputy commissioner concerned is essential.

Joykumar also pointed out recognition of water body as Ramsar site entails meeting of nine criteria, including that migratory birds at the water body should be more than 20,000, a condition already fulfilled in case of Kharungpat.

Appealing to public to take responsibility for protecting biodiversity, he urged all participants of the tree plantation to ensure that the tree mature properly.

The programme was attended by conservator of forests RK Amarjit, Thoubal divisional forest officer (DFO) Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee, Chandel DFO Dr Naorem Munal Meitei, forest department officials and staff, Kakching SP Priyadarshini Laishram and retired and in-service officials, police personnel, panchayat leaders, civil organisations, students and wildlife and environment enthusiasts from across the state.

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