Imphal: The 66th Wildlife Week Celebration 2021, which was observed from October 2, came to a close Monday with a simple function held at Forest Head Office, Sanjenthong organised by the Wildlife Wing, Forest Department. Every year the first week of October is celebrated as Wildlife Week throughout the country to renew the commitment to preservation, protection and conservation of our rich wildlife and biodiversity
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Awangbow Newmai, congratulated the winners and participants who took part in the competition held in different categories and appreciated the Forest Department for the different activities taken up during the Wildlife Week 2021.
Stating that the Forest Department has been given the duty to safeguard, to preserve, protect and conserve the forest, the Minister said that sometimes the department is taken in a wrong way and projected as an anti-development department at the time of Forest clearance. He said although the department has been facing hindrances but he is optimistic with the ‘never say die’ attitude of the officials that the department will be able to achieve more in the coming future.
Advising the Forest officials to continue the awareness programme, he 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 of the society for maximum participation to raise awareness on wildlife and environmental conservation.
During the closing function today, awards were distributed which were held under different categories. In the Online State Level Photography Competition 2021on the theme ‘Reptiles and Amphibians of Manipur’, Harmenn Huidrom won first prize, Jyotin Rajkumar won second prize and Khoyumthem Brajesh Kumar won third prize respectively.
In the State Level Slogan Competition for the Category I (Class VI-VIII), Sophia Tongbram, Don Bosco High School, Salem Veng, Churachandpur; Joseph Thangkhochon Haokip, Cherith Foundation, Pallel, Tengnoupal; R. Rahane San, St. Anthony’s School, Senapati won first prize, second prize and third prize respectively meanwhile Consolation prizes were given to James Siemturopui, Pherzawl, P.M.S. and Jianguangliu Gangmei. JNV, Tamenglong.
In the State Level Slogan Competition Category II (Class IX-XII),Songaror Horam, Scared Heart Hr. Sc. School, Ukhrul; Awoshin Hungyo, Phungyar Hr. Sec. School, Phungyar; Huidrom Monika Devi, New Era Hr. Sec. School won first, second and third prizes respectively. Meanwhile, Consolation prizes were given to M. Rajkishan Singh, RK Sanatombi Vidyalaya, Jiribam and Eklavya Model Residential School, Gamnom, Sapermaina, Kangpokpi.
The State Level Wildlife Protection Incentive Award 2021 were given to Chiuluan Village Authority, Tamenlong; Ramkhonang Gonmei, Chairman, Puching Village Authority, Tamenglong; People For Animals Manipur, Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha Ward No. 1; Romesh Ningthoujam, Convenor, Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife & Biodiversity, Khangabok, Thoubal District, Huirem Rajen Kumar Singh, Honorary, Wildlife Warden, Jiribam and Angam Kamodang, Animal Attendant, Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroisemba.
The function was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Environment), MH Khan; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi; officers and staff of the Forest department among others.
