Imphal, April 16: The State Government is all set to conduct survey of the endangered pony of Manipur in an effort to avert extinction of the local variety.

Expressing grave concern at the possibility of extinction of the Manipuri pony, reliable sources said the survey and breeding activities would begin simultaneously from May month.

While surveys at the valley areas are scheduled for completion by September the survey will cover hill districts in October-November months by engaging personnel of concerned Government departments, informed the source.

Conveying of Government of India having granted recognition to Pony of Manipur along with Marawari of Rajasthan, Kathiyawari of Gujarat, Spiti of Himachal Pradesh, Zanskari of Ladakh and Bhuttia of Bhutan of which the State breed is said to be most suitable for the game of polo, the source boasted of the State breed as the most revered in the world for its maneuverability.

Under a clause of recognition of a particular animal breed the Government of India stipulates population of not less than 10,000 and failure to attain the said number is categorised as endangered species, it said.

In contrast to the Government stipulation, population of Manipuri pony is informed to be less than 1000 which is alarming and apparently considered as within extinction level, explained the source.

Having been appraised of the grave situation of Manipur pony the Central authorities through the Union Veterinary and Sports departments had recently intimated to the Manipur Government to start survey works, it added.

In compliance with seriousness of the Central Govt intimation the State Veterinary Department along with the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association have been asked to conduct the survey.

The survey processes include scouring ponies reared/preserved by the 15 polo clubs in Manipur, calculation of the exact number and its collection with the disease-free ones segregated for breeding and less healthier ones to be utilised for commercial purposes and engagement in amusement parks for riding lessons to children.

Informing that inadequate care by owners and trade-offs to Myanmar are the main cause of gradual extinction of Pony of Manipur, the source recalled of the State Veterinary Department having conducted survey in the past wherein the population figure was put at around 7000.Despite the sustainable figure lack of initiative by the State Government in preserving the local breed had gradually led to the current position of extinction level, the source alleged.

Asserting that until and unless proper attention is given at the earliest to protect the endangered variety the Manipur ponies considering its present strength is in danger of being completely wiped out whenever an epidemic breaks out, cautioned the source.

On the other hand, the source disclosed of State Government�s negligence resulting in failure of the Pony Farm at Tingkhai village of Bishnupur district.

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