While the Manipur government has taken up measures to conserve the endangered Manipuri Pony, the measures to save the breed are still met with challenges due to reported issues in implementation of policies.
As per sources, there is no proper authority to report about any accidental death, injuries or natural death of Pony except for voluntary associations involved in the welfare of pony.
In 2016, the Manipur government passed Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy, acknowledging the declining population of ‘Meitei Sagol’ (Manipuri Pony).
The implementing agency of the state is the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department, as the department is the nodal department for implementation of the policy. The policy mentions that implementing agencies will monitor health and prevention, control of diseases.
There is no efficient implementation of the policy on ground, as per sources. However, the government of Manipur has recently joined hands with various organisations and associations to save Manipur Pony from extinction.
A joint meeting was also held where a resolution was passed for immediate response to herd the ponies together and mark a demarcation at the banned area and to constitute a task force etc.
Informing about the decisions taken during the joint meeting, Manipur Pony Society president Ch Priyoranjan said in a press conference at Manipur Pony Breeding Farm, that the Manipur Pony Breed is facing various challenges in its survival.
(PHOTO: IFP)
He also shared the concerns of the Pony Owners and immediate measures that need to be taken to save the rare breed of Manipur Pony from certain extinction. He acknowledged that the state government is also joining hands to save the rare Manipuri Pony.
Surveying the grazing ground and permanent habitats of ponies are important, he said. The Pony prefers the kind of habitat with marshy green wetlands where they graze around and also play, he said.
“Many have claimed that letting Pony roam freely on roads causes road accidents. But most of the Ponies on roads are privately owned, and they are not under any association,” he claimed.
He further said that whenever the association receives information about any road accident involving Pony, volunteers would rush to the spot and rescue the animal, but no owner will come out to claim the injured pony. Therefore, the registration of Pony and the formalisation of census of ponies is highly essential, he added.
Regarding the reports on the deaths of Ponies at Lamphelpat, he clarified that the reports are untrue.
He further suggested establishing a district Pony reserve area where horse riding facilities are allowed, stating that there are district level players, and even polo tournaments can be conducted as well.
