IMPHAL, October 4: A state-level open wildlife photography contest was held today at the CC Higher Secondary School Imphal, under the aegis of the Forest Department, Government of Manipur as part of the 60th Wildlife Week observation.
The State has been observing the Wildlife Week during the last 60 years to spread awareness on the importance of wildlife in the maintenance of ecological balance.
Altogether 19 participants took part in the contest where various photographs of rare animal species found in the State were showcased during an exhibition.
`Wildlife has been closely associated with our legends and folklores, with our epics and history,` stated Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) L Lukhoi during a brief interaction with media persons in the sideline of the contest.
`Our lives would be very much poorer without these varied forms that build up the balance of nature.`
Wildlife preservation in fact implies active and planned wildlife management under which all forms of life would progress side by side with human progress, each in its own sphere of influence and utility and without any detriment to human interests, he added.
In order to arouse a general awakening in the common man in favour of protection of wildlife, the Forest department has been observing the Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8 every year, organising different activities related to wildlife for conservation to commemorate this week such as the photography contest, he said.
He also added that people should voluntarily participate in conservation of wildlife.
However the seriousness of celebrating Wildlife Week is not only to educate or create awareness about wildlife among young people like school children and general public but also work with the all stake holders like the State police force, paramilitary forces to encourage them and take an active role in conservation and preservation of wildlife in today`™s changing circumstances, Lukhoi added.
