GUWAHATI: In a remarkable conservation effort, the residents of Shirui village in Manipur’s Tangkhul-Naga-dominated Ukhrul district have imposed a three-year ban on hunting and killing animals and birds within their jurisdiction.
Additionally, the authorities of Shirui village have implemented a comprehensive ban on the use of air guns and firearms. This initiative is aimed at promoting biodiversity and conservation within the area and will be effective for three years, starting from October. The decision was formally communicated to the Divisional Forest Officer (Ukhrul) in a recent letter.
To enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation, the village leaders also requested the forest officer to provide them with a drone.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who presided over a cabinet meeting in Ukhurl last month, commended the proactive steps taken by Shirui village to protect wildlife and conserve biodiversity.
He took to Facebook to express his support for the conservation efforts, stating, “For the first time in Manipur, the people of Shirui village have decided to completely ban the hunting and killing of animals and birds within their jurisdiction. It is a remarkable step towards the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of our precious wildlife.”
View His Post Here:
The Chief Minister also expressed his deep appreciation for the initiative, emphasising its significance not only for Manipur but as an example for other regions as well.
This conservation effort aligns with a broader trend of increased awareness and efforts to protect the environment and wildlife in the region, including the protection of Amur falcons, a notable species of winged visitors to the area, where forest officials and villagers in Tamenglong district have joined forces to safeguard these migratory birds.
About Shirui:
Shirui, located approximately 93 kilometres from Imphal, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the unique Shirui lily, a rare flower that blooms exclusively on the Shirui mountain peaks.
First discovered by Britisher Frank Kingdon Ward in 1948, this beautiful lily graces the region with its presence during May and June. In 1989, the state government officially designated the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) as the state flower.