Manipur's Kakching Range Forest officials and office staffs on Saturday conducted drives to seize bird nets and other poaching items at wetlands of Khoidumpat, Pumlenpat, Moirangkhom Pat and Leingangpat of Kakching district for saving the migratory birds and their babies, to mark the celebration of Children’s Day on Sunday.
During the drive, an air-gun was collected for verification from Chairel Khunou. Speaking on the occasion, range forest officer Kakching Naorem Munal Meitei said the drive was initiated from Saturday midnight. Explaining the migratory pattern of the birds, Munal lauded the lack of bird nets in the Kakching wetlands even after the strict surveillance. He announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to anyone who can inform the forest officials of the detailed reports of bird poaching in the wetlands.
Munal informed that Tangjeng lake, which is in the southern valley part of the state, was once used to be a habitual and very important lake for the winter migratory birds, but unfortunately for this season not a single brahminy duck (local name: nganu thang-gong) is being migrated here.
Elaborating that the change is due to anthropogenic pressure which relates to human activities that changes the natural environment of the lake, Munal appealed to the localities of the lake to safeguard and rejuvenate the Tangjeng Lake at the earliest. We should protect the wildlife, birds and animals, the precious gift of Mother Earth, he added.
