Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, January 17 2024: The 3-day Water Bird Census Motivation Camp commenced today at the conference hall of Mangolnganbi College in Bishnupur district.

The motivation camp is being held for the volunteers who will be taking part in the Loktak Waterbird Census-2024 which is scheduled to begin from January 20 .

The motivation camp is jointly organised by the Indian Bird Conservation Network and Loktak Development Authority (LDA) Manipur under the sponsorship of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur; Department of Forest, Government of Manipur and Mangolnganbi College.

The inaugural programme was graced by Dr T Brajakumar, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Director; Dr Kh Shamungou, Chairman Technical Committee, State Wetlands Authority; Ng Sanajaoba Meetei, SE LDA; RK Birjit, Mangolnganbi College Principal and Indian Bird Conservation Network State Co-ordinator; L Sarat, Assistant Chief Conservator of the Department of Forest Government of Manipur and K Jugeshwor, Kumbi College former Principal as the presidium members.

130 volunteers from different clubs, organizations, schools and colleges are taking part in the motivation camp which will be conducted in three sessions.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr T Brajakumar highlighted the need of safeguarding the water birds for the preservation of wetlands in Manipur.

He expressed that the waterbird census should not be confined only to Loktak lake or Lamphelpat but should be done in all the wetlands of the State.

In connection with the above, digital survey is done for 114 wetlands by the State Wetland Authority, he added.

He expressed the desire to cover at least these 114 wetlands for waterbird census and appealed to all concerned who are taking up lead role to work out possible mechanisms for the same.