The 72nd Wildlife Week was observed in Chandel today with awareness programmes aimed at promoting wildlife conservation and protection of forest resources.
Organised by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, the programme was held at Maha Union Higher Secondary School under the theme “Wildlife Conservation: Protecting Our Natural Heritage.” Around 100 students from eight schools participated in drawing and essay-writing competitions.
DFO Chandel Dr N. Munal Meitei attended as chief guest, while Principal K.L. Warson Anal presided over the programme. Range Forest Officer, Chandel, Ningthoujam Deepa, also attended.
A wildlife quiz involving students from five schools was later held at the Multipurpose Hall of the DC Complex. Around 100 saplings and flowering plants were also distributed among students.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr N. Munal stressed the importance of wildlife and forests to human survival and warned against habitat destruction and indiscriminate killing of wild animals.
He said forests cover around 76.40 per cent of Manipur’s geographical area, while Chandel has about 1,823.64 sq km of forest cover out of its 2,100 sq km geographical area.
Citing Forest Survey of India data, he said Chandel had lost around 230 sq km of forest cover between 2010 and 2025.
Dr Munal appealed to the public to collectively protect forests and wildlife for future generations.
