Waterbird conservation media campaign launched at Ishok Village

A Waterbird Conservation Media Campaign under the theme “Let’s Protect Our Waterbirds” was launched today at Ishok village in Bishnupur district to create awareness among communities residing around major wetlands of Manipur, including Loktak Lake and other water bodies in Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts.
The campaign which will continue till December 25 was flagged off by the Range Forest Officer of the Bishnupur Forest Division Headquarters. The initiative is being jointly organised by the Unique Wildlife Protection Committee Manipur, the Pumlen Lake Development Organisation, the Forest Department, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, and the Loktak Development Authority.
Speaking at the flag-off programme, Range Forest Officer H. Geetchandra Sharma, Joint Committee on Conservation of Wetlands and Birds Manipur Convenor Romesh Ningthoujam, Nature Bangard Force Secretary Chanam Santosh Meitei, Pumlen Lake Development Organisation General Secretary Salam Gandhi, Unique Wildlife Protection Committee Secretary Irengbam Sanaton, along with other representatives, participated in the event.
As part of the campaign, the outreach team commenced its activities from the office premises of the Social Development Institute and proceeded towards Ishok village, covering Mutum Yangbi area under Mayang Imphal Assembly Constituency along the Loktak Lake belt. The campaign further passed through Wahengkhuman, Shantipur, Upokpi, Kokchai, Mayang Imphal, and other adjoining wetland areas. Awareness messages were broadcast through loudspeakers, urging the public to refrain from hunting migratory birds that arrive from distant regions during specific seasons and to actively take part in their protection and conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Range Forest Officer Bishnupur Headquarters R. K. Sadananda stated that migratory birds, like humans, are also affected by climate change. He said that living in harmony with nature requires collective responsibility, and protecting migratory birds is a duty that must be understood and upheld by all.
Meanwhile, Joint Committee on Conservation of Wetlands and Birds Manipur Convenor Romesh Ningthoujam stated that various organisations have been working in coordination with the Forest Department to raise awareness on the conservation of Manipur’s wetlands. He added that the present media campaign is also being organised in collaboration with the Forest Department and appealed to clubs, organisations, and the general public to extend support in preventing wildlife-related crimes and safeguarding biodiversity.