Raju Bista advocates conservation of Sangai
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2021: BJP National spokesperson and MP Raju Bista has raised the issue concerning the urgent need for strengthening efforts towards conservation of the endangered Sangai, the State animal of Manipur, under Rule 377 of the Parliament.

Sangai is found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park, a protected sanctuary located around Loktak Lake, which also is the largest freshwater lake in North East India.

The deer species live around the floating biomass of vegetation in the Loktak Lake, also known as Phumdi.

However, these natural habitats are deteriorating due to the ever-increasing floods caused by climate change, water pollution and other human pressures.

The natural habitat of Sangai is continuously shrinking.

Raju Bista advocates conservation of Sangai

According to a statement released today by the MP, Sangai, also famously known as the 'dancing Indian deer' found only in Manipur, is facing the threat of extinction due to climate change and anthropocentric pressures and it is listed as "endangered" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and it is also included in Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 .

MP Raju Bista stated that he highlighted in the House that the natural habitats of the Sangai are deteriorating due to the ever increasing floods caused by climate change, water pollution and other human pressures.

He further informed the House of the Sangai's significance in the cultural consciousness of the Manipuri people and added that the Sangai and the Loktak Lake have stood as the economic lifeline of the people living in the vicinity of the lake.

It also holds a significant place in the ancient folklores, art, literature, and traditions of Manipur and any threat to the animal will also pose a great risk that the people of Manipur will lose a big part of culture, values and pride, the statement added.

Raju Bista urged the Central Government to increase their assistance to complement the efforts towards the conservation of Sangai deer and Loktak Lake that is being undertaken by the Government of Manipur.

Further, he informed that he had also requested the Ministry of Environment and Forest to develop a holistic plan for the conservation and propagation of Sangai and Loktak Lake.