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Pony: endangered treasure of Manipur

by IT Web Admin
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By : Amita Lamabam
It may be surprising to know that Manipuri Pony is now becoming an endangered species with the total population of less than 500.  A Comptroller and Auditor General of India report says that the population of Pony according to the 2014 census report filed by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association (MHRPA) is less than 500 whereas in 2011 the total population of pony numbered 1037, comprising of 597 males and 440 females respectively. Looking at the report from the year 2011-2014 the population of pony has reduced drastically .For this the Department had taken up schemes and activities for conservation and development of Manipur Pony, significant ones being:
-Pony Development Program
-Setting up of Marjing Pony Complex, and
-Regional Pony Development Project, Tinkai Khunou .
As per the Records mentioned in the Report, the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying released funds to the MHRPA but the horses which have occupied a special place in Manipur’s ancient manuscripts and folklore, and are an inseparable part of the culture and tradition of the state is on the brink of extinction. Detailed written descriptions and meticulous pictorial representations have appeared in various manuscripts, documents and other publications bearing testimony to the claim of being the original polo mount, besides historical evidence of the Pony making its invaluable contributions both in warfare and sports, making it a major tourist attraction, and yet the Pony population continues to dwindle at an alarming rate, so much so that it is now listed as an endangered breed and is on the verge of being wiped away from existence. It is pathetic and rather unfortunate to learn that all the schemes and activities are seen as failures. According to the report, the funds are being misused and that the ponies are found outside in open areas and even in crowded public places of Khwairamband Bazar which suggests an attitude of carelessness and ignorance by those entrusted and empowered to work for the protection and preservation of the ponies in the state. Further, as per the record, the sheds at the Tingkhai Khunou scheme are found empty while the ponies are observed wandering in the open fields. Now it is evidently clear that there was no clear or concerted approach to the problem of conserving and increasing the endangered pony population.
Though it is too late to lament the huge and avoidable loss, it is high time to raise the awareness on the pressing issue by making efforts to save the precious and unique pony from total extinction. As the saying goes; ‘Better late than never’.

Image source: e-pao.net

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