Newmai News Network Imphal | November 6 Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar on November 6 inaugurated Information and Interpretation Centre and five Amur Falcon watch towers at Phalong (Bhalok) Part III in Tamenglong district. The function was part of the 5th Amur Falcon Festival which started on November 5 under the theme ‘Honour the Treasured Wings’. Phalong (Bhalok) village Part III has population of over 800 people. The total population of the Phalong villages Part I, II and III is recorded over 1,500 people. Every year large number Amur Falcon (known as Akhuaipuina locally), migrate to the village. Addressing the gathering, Minister Th Shyamkumar said that it is a proud moment and people of the Phalong (Bhalok) village need to be appreciated for cooperating in protecting the migratory bird Amur Falcon. Stating that Phalong is a home to the Amur Falcon, he opined that if all the villages in all the districts take initiative to save wildlife then Manipur can be included soon in the global map for protecting and preserving the wildlife. Stating that human beings cannot survive without the wildlife, he said the memorandum submitted by the villagers will be considered and consulted with the officers of the Forest Department. Regarding the bad road condition, he assured to the villagers that he will apprise it to the Chief Minister. He further announced that he will construct the toilets for the villagers from his side. On behalf of the State Government, the Minister lauded the villagers and said the Government is really proud and respects the villagers for their initiatives and cooperation to the Forest Department in protecting and conserving the migratory bird. He urged the villagers to continue their support to the Forest Department. ADC members including Namsinrei Panmei, Chairman, ADC, Tamenglong, DFO Tamenglong Arun RS and forest officials, experts from Hungary, Germany and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and villagers of Phalong (Bhalok) attended the function. It is worth mentioning here that yesterday Forest Department along with the experts from Hungary, Germany and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun successfully satellite tagged two Amur Falcon and named them Manipur and Tamenglong. This is for the first time that the satellite tagging on the migratory birds is done in the State by the experts as part of the conservation project of the Amur Falcon and for the third time in North East region done by the same team. It was first initiated in Nagaland in 2013. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force K. Angami yesterday announced that the Forest Department will urge the State Government to declare Tamenglong as the Amur Falcon district at the Amur Falcon Festival held at the Unity Stadium, Tamenglong Headquarters. Local MLA Samuel Jendai along with Forest officials attended the function.
