The Manipur government is working on developing the 567 square kilometres (approx.) dense forest of Razai Khullen in Ukhrul district as a ‘Community Reserve’, state Principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Ak Joshi said on Wednesday.
Soon after the announcement of the Community Reserve, the state government will be hoisting the first ever state Nongin Festival at Razai Khullen, he added.
The development comes weeks after a four-member team, including a reporter of the Imphal Free Press and three wildlife photographers rediscovered Nongin (the state bird of Manipur) T Razai Khullen which is located 77.5 kilometers from the Ukhrul district headquarters on July 19.
The expedition of rediscovering Nongin was highlighted on July 22 by the Imphal Free Press.
Praising the efforts of the four-member team which included Babie Shirin of Imphal Free Press and wildlife photographers Oken Sanasam, Harmenn Huidrom and Priyojit Akoijam, Forest and Environment Minister Th Biswajit on Wednesday felicitated them at a function held at Manipur Zoological Garden in Iroisemba, Imphal West.
Speaking at the occasion, the minister instructed the Forest Department officials to survey the village’s surroundings and take up necessary tree plantations and other preservative measures to preserve the Nongin natural habitat.
As per Article 48 (a) of the Indian Constitution, it is the duty of all to preserve and protect and preserve the environment and wildlife, he said, adding that the four-member team has shown that they have fulfilled the Article 48 (a).
Stressing on the need to introduce a “Wildlife Map” of Manipur in order to attract tourists, he apprised the Forest Department officials to do the needful.
Considering the present deplorable standard of the Manipur Zoological Garden, the minister said the “zoo is outdated and needs a complete transformation and not just an upgrade.”
Once Manipur Zoo is transformed, it will be a great sector for resource mobilisation and studies centre for students apart from being a recreational centre. There will be a source of funding for it, the minister said, adding that he will appraise the matter to the chief minister to convert it into action.
The function was also attended by CCF (Wildlife) L Joykumar; director of Manipur Zoological Garden L Biramangol; DCF (Park and Sanctuary) Sanajaoba Khuraijam and village leaders of Razai Khullen, among others.
