71st Wildlife Week 2025: Tracking programme and tree plantation mark the observance

As part of the weeklong observance of the 71st Wildlife Week 2025, celebrated across the country from October 2 to 8 under the theme “Human-Animal Coexistence”, various awareness and conservation activities were held in Thoubal and Kakching districts today.
In Thoubal district, the Thoubal Forest Range organized a tracking programme for students at Phunal Maring Hill. The event featured a guided birdwatching trail walk conducted under the supervision of Dr. L. Jeeceelee, Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal, and led by Range Forest Officer (RFO) Dineschandra Salam. The activity, held within the Waithou Protected Forest area, saw enthusiastic participation from students, members of the Wildlife Explorer, and staff of the Forest Department.
During the trail, RFO Dineschandra Salam and members of the Wildlife Explorer shared insights on the region’s diverse wildlife and migratory birds, while highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation and fostering harmony between humans and nature.
Meanwhile, in Kakching district, the Divisional Forest Office (DFO), Chandel, organized a similar observance at Serou, situated along the periphery of the Yangenching and Kangbung Reserved Forests. The event witnessed active participation from Meira Paibis, students, the Officer-in-Charge of Singtam Police Outpost and his team, officers and jawans of the 46 Assam Rifles, and Forest Department officials.
As part of the programme, around 300 saplings were planted along the banks of the Chakpi River, promoting community involvement in afforestation efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N. Munal Meitei, DFO Chandel, lauded the participation of Meira Paibis, noting that their involvement symbolizes the pivotal role women play in safeguarding wildlife and the environment. He stated that if women across Manipur continue to engage in such initiatives, the state’s forests and wildlife can be conserved more effectively.
Dr. Munal expressed appreciation for the Meira Paibis and other participants, urging civil society organizations and the public to extend continued cooperation to the Forest Department in protecting Manipur’s rich natural heritage. He further noted that Manipur, home to 90 hill ranges and 46 major rivers, shelters numerous endangered and valuable species whose survival depends on the preservation of natural habitats.
Warning that the loss of these habitats would lead to the disappearance of wildlife species, leaving only memories and photographs behind, Dr. Munal called upon all citizens to unite in protecting the state’s forests and biodiversity in connection with the 71st Wildlife Week observance.