Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07 2010:
Study conducted by Wild Life Wing of the State Forest and Environment Department in coordination with noted environmentalists of the State, on winter migratory birds of Loktak lake concluded today.
Together with dismantling of traps and nets found laid inside the Keibul Lamjao National Park to catch migratory birds, the Department has intimated all encroachers to remove their houses from the floating national park within the current month.
In the course of the study, eight different species of wild fowls were observed in Chingnungsoi Kakyen farm, located to the North of Moirang INA complex.
The wild fowls observed there include Tingni Macha, Urel, Ushai Saingai, Yen Pouraba, Sandungen, Thamna Chenbi, Urok Lamprai etc.
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Only two number of wild fowl species locally known as Tingni Achouba were also observed among these birds.
Officials and environmentalists taking part in the study said that Tingni Achouba is a bird species on the verge of extinction like many other migratory birds.
In today's leg of the study tour, other bird species like Tingri, Thoidingam, Pedacot, Tharoi Chabi etc were observed in Nongmaikhong and Khodangkhong areas of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
The study team which included media persons saw many houses built illegally inside Keibul Lamjao National Park.
On seeing this, officials of the Wild Life Wing approached the encroachers and explained in detail about things prohibited inside the park.
The encroachers were also asked to dismantle their houses and move away within the current month.
The officials cautioned the encroachers that failure to remove their houses within the current may constrain the Department to take legal action and this may lead to punishment including imprisonment.
In some parts of the park, around 15 houses were seen built in a cluster.
Talking to media persons, the officials said that human encroachment into the park has been one major factor for disappearance of migratory birds from Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Saying that there are many prohibitions in a national park, the officials noted that people, particularly those settling around Loktak lake, should be made aware of all these dos and don'ts.
However, on account of shortage of manpower and paucity of fund, the Department is unable to conduct awareness programmes, the officials lamented.
They also expressed keen desire for the Government to pay special attention in this regard.
The study came across nets stretched between trees to catch wild birds including migratory ones in Nongmaikhong side.
The Wildlife officials promptly took down the nets and set afire.
There were some heated arguments when the officials asked some fishermen not to fish inside Keibul Lamjao National Park.