Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 11 2010:
A one day awareness programme on the degrading environment and the decreasing number of migratory birds at Loktak lake was organised by Universal Vision Ishok under the aegis of Forest Department at Ishok Primary School today.
The awareness programme was presided by noted environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou.
Range Forest Officer of Keibul Lamjao National Park Kh Hitler, N Sarat, RO of Zoological Garden Biramangol, Principal of Kumbi College K Jugeshwar and environmentalist RK Birjit spoke as resource persons.
Speaking as chief guest, Leimapokpam Zilla Parishad Member L Jiten said that being ignorant, people of the area had no idea about the relation between environment and man.
But because of such awareness programmes, the villagers have gained invaluable knowledge about the intricate relationship between environment and human beings.
He pointed out that Ishok people inhabiting the vicinity of Loktak lake have a great responsibility to save Loktak lake as well as the migratory birds taking refuge in the lake.
RO Birmangol noted that because of the deteriorating environment of Loktak lake, many species of migratory birds, which visited the lake every winter some years back are no longer visible.
Coupled with the deteriorating environment of the lake, hunting migratory birds for food and money contributed a lot in the alarming decrease of the number of migratory birds, pushing some species to the brink of extinction.
He lamented that more and more people of Manipur are unable to identify Nongin, the State bird.
Kumbi College Principal K Jugeshwar said that the number and variety of birds visible in and around Loktak lake is an indicator of the health of Loktak lake.
Going by the number of birds presently visible, it is clear that the lake is in a critical state.
Speaking as resource persons at the programme, Kh Hitler and Dr Kh Shamungou identified the birds which visited Loktak lake in the past but not longer visible these days with the help of slide-show.
They spoke in detail about the close relationship between environment, wildlife and human beings.
Some of the birds which used to migrate to Loktak lake during winter but no longer visible or whose numbers have drastically decreased are Thoidingam, Nganu Khara, Shurit, Shadang etc.
Indigenous species of birds which are on the verge of extinction are Uthum, Uren, Umu etc.