Thoubal villagers lead in protecting wildlife
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 12: Though the incident of poaching wild life is common despite enactment of various laws by the Government of Manipur, people of Tangjeng village in Thoubal district have taken up the onus of protecting the migratory birds that flock to their village lake every year.

Located some 50 kms from Imphal along the Indo-Burma Road near the bank of Manipur River, Tangjeng Khunjao of Thoubal district is a small sleepy village with a lake locally known as Lamyai Pat which spreads over an area of 3 kms almost in the middle.

This lake has been the second home for the migratory Ruddy Shelducks (Tadorna Ferruginea) locally known as Nganu Thangong that come searching for food and better clime every winter from Europe and Siberian region.

Migratory birds find a safe haven at Tangjeng village

Flocks of Ruddy Shel Ducks start landing at the lake from September to March every year and the villagers make it a point not to kill or frighten any of these winter visitors.

The most surprising fact that this reporter came across while visiting to inspect the lake today is that these winter visitors of the village are least bothered even if any human go closer toward them.

They continue to feed or spend basking in the warm of the winter sun.

Talking to this reporter, 17-year old Ningthoujam Kiran, one of the village youth who have made it their mission to protect these migratory birds informed that Tangjeng Well Organised Club imposes a fine of Rs 500 if any person catches or kills any of Ruddy Shel Ducks coming to the village lake every winter.

Even if a carcass of the bird is found, the villagers ensure that it is given an honourable burial at the place of their visitation.

'These migratory birds have been coming to the village lake every year as long as I can remember, and no one try to frighten or tease with them.

Every one has been taking extra care to make them comfortable during their stay in our village like our august visitors', Kiran said.

Kiran informed that there have been instances in the past in which some outsiders tried to kill these birds, but the villagers prevented them after talking to them properly and advising against killing any of these migratory birds, Kiran added.

Most heartening thing about the mission of the villagers to protect their winter visitors is that their local MLA K Ranjit too been taking keen interest and encouraging the villagers in protecting the migratory birds.