IMPHAL, April 16: The national workshop on conservation and sustainable management of Sangai is much important which will discuss about how to protect the rear species and how to work together.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh asserted this during the inauguration ceremony of the two-day national level workshop organised by the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at its campus, Takyelpat, Imphal Manipur.
He further said that both the central and State governments are taking up steps necessary for safeguarding Sangai and Loktak Lake from time-to-time.
He further appealed to all to work together for the protection of the rear species- Sangai which is also the State animal.
In his presidential speech, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the Forest department is taking up the necessary steps to preserve the animal although the people are still not satisfied with the present Sangai population.
NNN adds: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said in order to develop and improve the condition of Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the only habitat of Sangai, the ecosystem and condition of the Loktak Lake needs to be developed first. The state government always welcomes any suggestions and feedbacks from the public and the NGOs regarding this matter in the interest of the state and its people.
He appreciated the concern of IBSD in organising such a workshop on Sangai and urged all to co-operate each other and collectively work towards the common goal of conserving `endangered`™ animals, especially Sangai.
Deputy CM Gaikhangam was the chief guest of the function.
He highlighted the importance of Sangai as the endangered deer has become the brand ambassador of Manipur to the rest of the world and even the mega annual festival of Manipur has been named after the animal as `Sangai Festival`™. He appealed all to play the role of `crusaders`™ to ensure better survival of Sangai. Gaikhangam also emphasized the need to conserve and improve Loktak Lake, which is the only habitat of Sangai. Gaikhangam added the government needs full co-operation from the public in making Manipur a major part of the global tourist map, and appealed the citizens preserve the rich flora and fauna of the state.
President of the function and IBSD Director Professor Deenabandhu Sahu reported that the present figure of Sangai deers is a mere 204, and suggested all to work with an scientific approach to preserve and increase the number of Sangai, which plays a vital role in the Manipuri society and arts and culture of the state. The Director said that the workshop is being organised to instil this scientific knowledge to the people, and appealed all to conserve the other rich bio-resources of Manipur.
The opening function of the two-day national workshop was also attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Bala Prasad; Additional Chief Secretary O Nabakishore; Vice Chancellor of CAU Dr M Premjit; environmentalist RK Ranjan; and noted scientists from parts of the countries among many others.