Imphal: As Manipur prepares to welcome its winged guests, Amur Falcon (Falco amurenis), District Magistrate Noney district Friday announced a total ban on either hunting or killing or destruction of the migratory bird.
“Consumption or possession or otherwise is a punishable offence under Section 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” a statement by Joseph Pauline Kamson, District Magistrate, Noney, said.
The migratory bird, locally known as Akhuaipuna, usually arrives in many parts of Tamenglong and Noney districts and bordering areas from the second week of October and is likely to roost till the end of November. This period is considered crucial in the life cycle of Amur Falcons, Kamson noted in his statement.
The statement also asked village authorities of 14 villages under Noney district including Longmai, Raengkhung, Awangkhul, Taobam, Khongsang, Rengpang, Nungba, Kabiron, Khuji, Nagaching, Kabui Khullen, Puichi, Bakwa, Haochong and other areas under the district to deposit their air guns with the respective village authority offices until the last flock leave their roosting place or till 30th November, 2023.
Report of the collection of air guns be submitted to these offices by 20th October, 2023, said the statement, adding that anyone found willfully violating these prohibitory Orders is liable to face consequences as per the Law of the land.
Manipur Forest officials manning Tamenglong as well as Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT), a local animal lovers’ unit have already lined up a series of programmes to spread awareness among the villages to protect and show their love to the winged guest during their stint.
“As part of our ensuing programme to safeguard Amur falcons, we will soon engage village volunteers for carrying out patrolling along with our own forest guards at the roosting sites to thwart any attempt to kill the birds,” divisional forest officer (Tamenglong) Amandeep earlier said.
A few days back, Deputy Commissioner (Tamenglong) Dr L Angshim Dangshawa, in view of the migratory birds’ arrival, ordered a ban on killing, hunting, catching and hunting the falcons. Invoking the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the measures have been taken up.
