WildLife and Environment Protection Organisation, Manipur and Razai village authority has called on the government and concerned departments to construct a sanctuary to save and preserve Nongin, the state bird of Manipur.
Addressing mediapersons at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Friday under the banner ‘Save state bird Nongin’, chairman of the Razai Khullen village church Ismail said that more than 10 Nongins were handed over by the villagers of Razai Khullen and Shiroi village to the zoo authority through the Forest Officials of Eastern Forest Division, Ukhrul in the year 2013-2014.
“Now, I heard that only two or one is left at zoo,” said Ismile.
Nongin, the state bird of Manipur, was in abundance in Razai Khullen, Ukhrul district since long ago. However, the villagers, unaware of its importance, hunted the bird for meat.
However, after learning of the significance of Nongin in 2015, they have stopped hunting the bird, Ismile said, adding that a fine of Rs 10,000 has been imposed on anyone hunting the bird.
It may be noted that the bird is included in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Rule 1974 do not properly work in Manipur.
Stating that the state government has Shiroy Lily National Park, Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary, Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary, Bunning Wild life Sanctuary and Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary to protect and conserve the habitat and maintain sustainable environment, Ismile expressed umbrage against the government for not constructing a sanctuary for rare and endangered state bird.
Even though Nongin is a state bird, the visibility of the bird is very rare in the valley as it is confined to its habitats in the hills, Ismile said and informed that Nongins usually give birth in May and that there might be more than 300 Nongins in the village. A special protection committee has been formed to protect the bird, added Ismile.
Representing the villagers of Razai village, Ismile urged the state government to construct a sanctuary to protect and preserve the state bird and organise festivals on the line of Shirui festival or Sangai festival for Nongin.
The press meet was attended by chairman of WildLife and Environment Protection Organisation, Manipur, Shamurailakpam Naba Sharma (Nabavolcano), Razai village headman VS Mishivam and members of the organisation.
