Imphal: As part of Wildlife Celebration Week 2026, the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, organized a State-wide Photography Exhibition-cum-Competition on Resident Birds, celebrating the rich avian diversity of the State and encouraging greater public participation in wildlife conservation.
Manipur’s forests, wetlands, rivers, grasslands and agricultural landscapes provide important habitats for a diverse range of resident birds as well as migratory species. The arrival of migratory birds also highlights the ecological connections between Manipur and distant landscapes beyond the State and the country.
The initiative seeks to encourage students, young people, amateur and professional photographers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to observe, appreciate and document the State’s birdlife. It aims to transform photography into a means of creating greater awareness about biodiversity, habitats and the need for their protection.
The Forest Department has emphasised the principle of “Photograph, Don’t Disturb.” Participants are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from birds, avoid disturbing nests and breeding sites, and ensure that photography does not interfere with natural behaviour. Selected photographs have been displayed as part of the exhibition, providing a platform for emerging photographers and nature enthusiasts while showcasing the beauty and ecological importance of Manipur’s birds.
Speaking on the occasion, the PCCF & Head of Forests, Anurag Bajpai said that Wildlife conservation cannot remain confined to forests and protected areas; it has to become a people’s movement. Our birds are not merely beautiful elements of nature; they are important indicators of the health of our ecosystems and an integral part of Manipur’s natural heritage. Through this initiative, we want to encourage people, particularly our young generation, to observe nature more closely, develop an appreciation for biodiversity and become active partners in its conservation.
He added that the initiative is intended to encourage citizen-led biodiversity documentation and, in the longer term, strengthen birdwatching, conservation education and responsible nature tourism in the State. The Forest Department views the exhibition not merely as a photography competition, but as an opportunity to build a stronger bond between people, nature and conservation.
Bajpai emphasized that the photography provides a wonderful bridge between people and nature. With the widespread availability of digital cameras and mobile phones, every citizen can potentially contribute to documenting our biodiversity. We would like to see this initiative evolve into a wider citizen-based effort for biodiversity documentation, awareness and conservation across the State. At the same time, we must remember that the welfare of wildlife always comes first, and hence our simple message is ‘Photograph, Don’t Disturb.’
