Bear Conservation Project launched
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 09 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla launched the Manipur Bear Conservation Proj ect at the grand finale of the 71st Wildlife Week Celebration 2025 at the City Convention Centre, Imphal today.

The event was organised by the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, under the theme 'Human-Wildlife Co-existence', said the Raj Bhavan.

Chief Secretary Puneet Goel, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Anurag Bajpai and many other officials of the Government attended.

During the event, Governor Bhalla remotely released various wild animals back into their natural habitats.

The animals included the Burmese Python, Bengal Slow Loris, Myanmar Box Turtle, and Leopard Cats.

The Manipur Bear Conservation Project was launched in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

The Governor also released a book titled 'Flight, Fur & Fangs - Encounters with the Wilderness of Manipur Forests' and launched the Forest Resources Assessment & Monitoring System (FRAMS), a web application developed in collaboration with NESAC (ISRO).

The Governor distributed incentive prizes to the winners of a painting competition and presented awards to various organisations - NGOs, CSOs, police, and other stakeholders - who have contributed to the conservation of wildlife.

Speaking at the event, Governor Bhalla said the 71st Wildlife Week, held under the theme 'Human-Wildlife Co-existence,' serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard Manipur's extraordinary biodiversity.

Reflecting on the State's rich natural heritage - from the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park to the majestic Sangai deer and the recently sighted wild elephants in Kamjong district - the Governor noted that these natural wonders are not just ecological assets but vital symbols of identity and pride.

He observed that the return of elephants after decades is 'a message of hope from nature itself, reaffirming that when humans respect and protect wildlife habitats, nature responds in kind.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the Forest Department, conservationists, and local communities for transforming Manipur into a model of community-driven conservation.

He emphasised that protecting wildlife cannot rest with the Government alone.

It must be a shared mission involving citizens, students, and civil society, the Governor added.

Citing success stories like the Amur Falcon conservation initiative in Tamenglong and the community-led protection of the Sangai, he said these examples demonstrate how people's participation remains the strongest pillar of conservation.

The Governor called for the spirit of Wildlife Week to continue beyond the celebration as a year-round commitment to preserving Manipur's living heritage for generations to come.

He inspected a Wildlife Photography Exhibition organised at the venue.

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