Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho today called for collective efforts to protect Manipur’s wildlife, conserve natural habitats and preserve the state’s rich biodiversity at the grand finale of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration, 2026, held at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.

Organised by the Forest Department under the theme “Connecting Habitat, Thriving Wildlife”, the event highlighted the importance of habitat protection, scientific conservation and public participation.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said Manipur’s hills, forests and wetlands supported diverse wildlife, including several endangered and endemic species. He stressed that forests and wildlife were essential for ecological security, climate resilience, water conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Citing the endangered Sangai deer, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, pangolin and Nongin, he called for greater public awareness and concerted efforts to protect threatened species. He also highlighted Manipur’s role in safeguarding migratory birds, particularly the Amur falcon, whose annual migration underlines the importance of protecting their habitats.

The Governor urged stronger action against illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking and smuggling, alongside scientific research, wildlife monitoring, wetland restoration and protection of forest corridors. He stressed that conservation was a shared responsibility requiring public participation.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho described Manipur’s forests, wetlands and diverse ecosystems as invaluable natural assets. He said the Sangai of Keibul Lamjao National Park, the Nongin and the state’s resident and migratory birds formed an irreplaceable part of its ecological and cultural heritage.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scientific wildlife management, stronger enforcement against poaching and illegal wildlife trade, restoration of degraded ecosystems and improved monitoring of threatened species. He also called for effective field surveillance, animal welfare, conservation education and greater community participation to promote coexistence between people and wildlife.

Both leaders congratulated Manipur Zoological Garden on completing 50 years and appreciated the efforts of forest officers and frontline personnel.

The programme featured the launch of the Manipur Clouded Leopard Conservation Project and Vulture Conservation Project, the release of rescued wild animals into their habitats, wildlife conservation videos and public service announcement reels, and the release of two books, Birds of Langol Reserve Forest, a Reckoner and Mahoushagi Maithong. Prizes and awards were also distributed.

Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha, PCCF and HoFF Anurag Bajpai, forest officials, academics, students and other stakeholders attended the event.