Manipur has declared Kharung Pat in Kakching district as a wildlife sanctuary to protect wetlands and biodiversity.
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IMPHAL — In a significant step toward strengthening biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-tourism, the government of Manipur has officially declared Kharung Pat, a historically and ecologically important wetland in Kakching district, as a wildlife sanctuary.
Located around 35 km south of Imphal, Kharung Pat is the third-largest freshwater lake in the state after Loktak Pat and Pumlen Pat. Spread across approximately 227 hectares (2.27 sq km), the wetland holds immense ecological, cultural and economic significance for the valley region.
According to an official notification issued on May 22 by Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change) Arun Kumar Sinha, the area possesses “adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural and zoological significance” warranting its declaration as a wildlife sanctuary under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-section (1) of Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Governor of Manipur hereby declares the said area as Kharung Pat Wildlife Sanctuary,” the notification stated.
The notification further appointed the Deputy Commissioner of Kakching district as the Collector under Section 18-B of the Act to examine and determine the nature and extent of rights, if any, over land falling within the sanctuary area, following procedures laid down under Sections 21 to 26 of the Act.
The move is being viewed as a major initiative to protect the state’s fragile wetland ecosystem and conserve its rich biodiversity.
During the 2023 bird census, around 69 bird species were recorded in the area, nearly 40 per cent of them migratory birds. However, the latest census conducted in 2025 indicated a noticeable decline in migratory bird populations, raising concerns among conservationists.
“With the new notification, Kharung Pat becomes the eighth wildlife sanctuary in the state,” a senior forest official said.
Other wildlife sanctuaries in the state include Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary, Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary, Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary and Thingungei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Manipur also has two national parks — Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer, and Shirui National Park, internationally known as the only natural habitat of the rare and endemic Shirui Lily, the state flower.