Kiphire, October 5 (MExN): The Kiphire Wildlife Division, Department of Environment Forests & Climate Change organised awareness programme and painting competition for students to celebrate Wildlife Week 2017 at Likhimro Bridge under Pungro sub-division on October 3.
It was attended by Thanamir, Fakim, Vongtsuvong, Tsundang, Penkim, Salomi and Khongsa villages. The programme began with invocation by pastor, Thanamir Baptist Church. K Kiusang, Forest Range Officer welcomed the gathering. T Tsechimong, VCC Thanamir welcomed the initiative of Kiphire Wildlife Division. Short speeches were given by the Village Council Chairmen (VCC) from Vongtsuvong, Thanamir, Fakim, Tsundang and Penkim.
The Khongsa Area Public Organization (KAPO), president cum VCC Penkim requested the department to set up Eco Clubs in Khongsa area and requested the department to take up plantation activities in their area and also set up a Forest Range in the Pungro area.
The guest of honour, Rajesh Kumar IFS, DFO Kiphire highlighted that Pungro Range is a high priority in the newly created Territorial Forest Division at Kiphire. He elaborated on the theme of this year wildlife week “Listen to the young voices” and called for the active support of the younger generation particularly the students in spreading the awareness regarding wildlife conservation.
Suman W M Sivachar IFS, Wildlife Warden Kiphire exhorted the gathering for protecting the “voiceless wildlife.” He threw light on the organizational structure within the Forest Department – Territorial and Wildlife Divisions and their predominant functions. Kiphire Wildlife Division though headquartered in Kiphire has five districts under its jurisdiction – Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Phek and Tuensang.
He also stated that Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has listed out the wildlife of importance in Schedules I, II, III and IV. Hunting or poaching of wildlife listed in these schedules will result not only in a hefty fine but also imprisonment up to 7 years. Plantation drives were undertaken last month in Fakim, Thanamir and Vongtsuvong.
Y Tsuseki, Master Educator, Bhutan Glory Eco Club undertook a presentation and spoke about the activities of the club. It was also informed that along with Hanruthong, VCC Fakim, Tsuseki will be undertaking a trip to Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Tezpur, Arunachal Pradesh to understand conservation strategies by local communities.
A total of 130 people attended the programme. Students from Thanamir, Penkim and Fakim Government Public Schools along with teachers participated in the painting competition. The winners were as follows; Alunso of GPS Penkim-first, Lemtsula of GPS Thanamir-second and Thonglenla of GPS Fakim-third respectively. Writing pads, sketch pens, stationery and participatory certificates were provided to all students.
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