Despite hindrances, optimistic that the department will achieve more in the future — Manipur Forest minister

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 11 (EMN): Recognising the conservative activities towards wildlife, two village authorities, two wildlife protection NGOs and two individuals in Manipur were honoured with the state-level wildlife protection incentive award 2021 on the concluding day of 66th Wildlife Week Celebration (Oct. 2 onwards) in Imphal on Monday.

The awardees are — Chiuluan village authority and Puching village authority both in Tamenglong district, NGOs — People For Animals Manipur, Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha ward no. 1 and Romesh Ningthoujam, Convenor, Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife and Biodiversity, Khangabok, Thoubal district while the two individuals are — wildlife warden (Jiribam), Huirem Rajen Kumar Singh  and animal attendant (Manipur Zoological Garden), Angam Kamodang.

Manipur Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Awangbow Newmai handed over the awards, which consisted of a certificate and a small amount of cash.

Addressing the closing programme, Forest minister, Awangbow said the department has been given the duty to safeguard, to preserve, protect and conserve the forest adding that although the department has been facing hindrances, he is optimistic that the department will be able to achieve more in the coming future. He urged all the stakeholders of the society for the maximum participation to raise awareness on wildlife and environmental conservation.

Earlier minister, Awangbow, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment), MH Khan and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Dr. Aditya Kumar Joshi also distributed prizes of the online state-level photography competition held  on the theme ‘Reptiles and Amphibians of Manipur’ to Harmenn Huidrom (1st prize), Jyotin Rajkumar (2nd prize) and Khoyumthem Brajesh Kumar (3rd prize).

In the state-level slogan competition for the Category 1 (classes 6-8), 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 while consolation prizes were given to James Siemturopui, Pherzawl, PMS and Jianguangliu Gangmei JNV, Tamenglong.

In the state-level slogan competition Category 2 (classes 9-12), Songaror Horam, Sacred 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. Consolation prizes were given to M Rajkishan Singh, RK Sanatombi Vidyalaya, Jiribam and Eklavya Model Residential School, Gamnom, Sapermaina, Kangpokpi.