IMPHAL, October 22: Manipur Forest department organised 60th Wildlife Week Celebration 2015 concluded today at Lamyamba Sanglen, Palace Compound.
The wildlife week is celebrated every year since the establishment of the Indian Board of Wild Life in 1952 to create awareness among the people of the country on the importance of wildlife and their protection.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy Speaker MK Preshow Shimray highlighted the relation between wildlife and the people of the region.
He said forest offers various natural resources and needs to be protected and conserved for a better future.
Hunting of wildlife, fishing, cutting of trees will only lead to problems in the future, he said.
Trees are being chopped down to find a livelihood, support family, etc. he said.
The Shiroi Hills was once a dense forest, but today it is in a sorry state, the deputy Speaker said.
Now, migratory birds do not stop or arrived in these forests as they are hunted and the forest cover has depleted, he continued.
He appealed to the people to come forward in order to protect and preserve the forest and wildlife for a better future.
In his speech, Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh emphasised on eco-development and finding alternative livelihood for the people living around the bio-diversity rich areas and protected areas of the State.
He said the people should also take responsibility to safeguard the bio-diversity.
Manipur is home to several wildlife but their populations are decreasing, he said.
He said that poaching, hunting and destroying wildlife needs to be checked.
He also observed that reports suggest an increase in the population of Sangai, and said the increase in the State animal’s population is due to the co-operation and protection provided by the locals of Keibul Lamjao and the department.
Prizes of the various competitions conducted as part of celebration were distributed during today’s valedictory programme which included 27 prizes for on the spot painting and article writing competitions, seven wildlife protection incentive awards and 12 prizes for the State level wildlife photography competition.