Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, October 11 2021: The 66th Wildlife Week Celebration 2021 held since October 2 concluded on Monday with a simple function at Forest Head Office, Sanjenthong organised by Wildlife Wing, Forest Department.

Every year the first week of October is celebrated as Wildlife Week throughout the country to renew the commitment to preser vation, protection and conservation of our rich wildlife and biodiversity.

Speaking as chief guest, Forest, Environment and Climate Change minister Awangbow Newmai congratulated the winners and participants of various competitions held in different categories and appreciated the Forest Department for different activities taken up during the Wildlife Week 2021.Stating that the Forest Department has been given the duty to safeguard, preserve, protect and conserve the forest, the minister said that sometimes the department is taken in a wrong way and projected as anti-development institute especially at the time of Forest clearance/eviction drives.

He said although the department has been facing hindrances, he is optimistic with the 'never say die' attitude of the officials that the department will be able to achieve more in the future.

Advising the Forest officials to continue awareness programmes, Awangbow said that with the development process we also need to continue preservation, protection and conservation of our rich wildlife and biodiversity for the future generation.

He also called upon all the stakeholders for maximum awareness on wildlife and environmental conservation.

During the closing function, awards for competitions held under different categories were distributed.

In the Online State Level Photography Competition 2021 held on the theme 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Manipur', Harmenn Huidrom won first prize, Jyotin Rajkumar second and Khoyumthem Brajesh Kumar third prize.

In the State Level Slogan Competition for the Category I (Class VI VIII), Sophia Tongbram of Don Bosco High School, Salem Veng, Churachandpur; Joseph Thangkhochon Haokip of Cherith Foundation, Pallel, Tengnoupal; and R Rahane San of St Anthony's School, Senapati won first prize, second prize and third prize respectively.

The consolation prizes were presented to James Siemturopui of PMS Pherzawl and Jianguangliu Gangmei of JNV, Tamenglong.

In the State Level Slogan Competition Category II (Class IX-XII), Songaror HOram of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Ukhrul; Awoshin Hungyo of Phungyar Higher Secondary 'School; and Huidrom Monika Devi of New Era Higher Secondary School won first, second and third prize respectively.

The State Level Wildlife Protection Incentive Award 2021 were given to Chiuluan Village Authority, Tamenglong; Puching Village Authority, Tamenglong chairman Ramkhonang Gonmei; People For Animals Manipur, Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha Ward number 1; Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife & Biodiversity, Khangabok, Thoubal district convener Romesh Ningthoujam; Jiribam wildlife warden (Honorary) Huirem Rajen Kumar Singh and Manipur Zoological Garden Iroisemba animal attendant Angam Kamodang.

The function was also attended by Forest & Environment additional chief secretary MH Khan, Forests & HoFF principal chief conservator Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi who is also in-charge of PCCF (Wildlife), officers and staff of Forest Department.