Residents of Ishok village in Bishnupur district have adopted a resolution banning the hunting, trapping and killing of the endangered Hog Deer (Kharsa) within the village and adjoining areas.
The resolution was adopted at a stakeholders’ meeting jointly organised by the Bishnupur Forest Division, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Bishnupur District Branch, Ishok Gram Panchayat and several local organisations.
The meeting also constituted the Ishok Apunba Wildlife Protection Committee to safeguard the Hog Deer and other wildlife in nearby habitats, including Jawa Lamjao, Ngakratubi and surrounding wetlands.
Under the resolution, anyone found hunting or killing a Hog Deer will face a community fine of up to ¹ 5 lakh, apart from legal action under the law. Cases will also be reported to the Forest Department. The committee will conduct regular monitoring, create awareness and report poaching incidents to the department.
Divisional Forest Officer Waikhom Romabai, IFS, welcomed the initiative, describing it as the first community-led effort of its kind in the state. He said the initiative would strengthen wildlife conservation and promote coexistence between humans and nature.