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The world watched in horror when Amazon, the world’s most biodiverse rainforest was burnt down. It not only destroyed millions of animals but destroyed the ecosystem and pumped climate-warming pollution into the atmosphere. The fire was lit by farmers. It was decried as a world tragedy.
This was followed by Australia bushfires that destroyed wildlife. The cause of the fire was blame to arson, carelessness or recklessness.
Near our door, which is significantly drawing our attention is the burning that was noticed at the Shirui Peak in Shirui village in Ukhrul district under Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) where the famous Shirui Lily grows. It is known for its scenic beauty and rich fauna and flora. There is a standing order of GPRN which banned the burning of the forest, using chemicals in the rivers and hunting wild animals, especially during the breeding season. It must be the handiwork of local miscreants.
Interestingly, the burnt ashes are eaten by the migratory bird, locally called ‘Shiri’. When the birds get thirsty, they rush down to drink water from the stream that flows below. This is where the locals set the trap to catch the birds. These birds migrated from Siberia every year during this time of the year.
What is tragically of concern is that the fire burnt down Shirui Lily seedlings and saplings, besides damaging another species of beautiful plants called ‘Summer Flower’ that blooms in the months of June and July. Shirui Lily blooms from the first week of May.
Who is to be blamed other than the local miscreant. GPRN highly condemn such recklessness and selfishness. The local village authorities must come up with precautionary measures to prevent burning down of jungle and forest.
Issued by Ministry of Forest & Environment