Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
The State Forest Department organized a one-day awareness and sensitization programme on conservation of wildlife and forest at Choithar village in Ukhrul district today.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, Park and Sanctuary L Joykumar while speaking as a resource person presented a schematic outline of the proposed Shirui National Park.
The region is one of the best mega biodiversity hotspots of India, he added.
Saying that nearby villagers must also extend their hand in the conservation of Shirui forest, L Joykumar said that this area has now been included in the category of secondary forest.
Conservation of Shirui forest and adjoining forest areas is a must as State flower Shirui Lily, State bird Nongin and State tree Uningthou (Phoebe Spp) are all flourishing here, he added.
The Ukhrul Division of State Forest Department had already warned that no one would be barred if they are found indulging in illegal trading of timber and poaching of wild animals.
Anybody who is booked under Scheduled 1 of Wildlife Act is liable to be fined with Rs 25000 and imprisoned for 3-5 years, he added.
Urging the villagers to join hand in conserving the forest areas of Shirui, Joykumar said that the area would be declared as a National Park soon.
He also mentioned about Department’s plan to include Shirui National Park in the map of world tourism.
RO Hitler said that tourism cannot flourish in the district without the cooperation of villagers although the district has the potential to become an important tourist destination.
He opined that the district can adopt the Sikkim model of tourism promotion.
Rare bird species Soibol (Manipur’s bush bird) which is not sighted for at least 70 years is said to be surviving in the forests of the district, he added.
Ukhrul DFO L Manglem, Advocate GA Shimray and Choithar Village Headman A Angam graced the function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Around 200 persons, mostly VA members, elders, womenfolk and youth of Choithar, attended the awareness programme.
L Manglem distributed sports items to youths and advised them to take keen interest in forest conservation.
Speaking at the occasion, GA Shimray cautioned that water scarcity would worsen further if wanton felling of trees continues.
A Angam assured strict imposition of ban on poaching this season on trial basis.
He also suggested to introduce rain water harvesting to lessen water scarcity.
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