IMPHAL, Aug 27 - Manipur Government is making serious efforts to increase the population of Sangai deer at Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) which is the natural habitat of the State animal.
This was disclosed by Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar Singh while addressing the one-day Consultation cum Sensitisation workshop on �Conservation of Sangai in Manipur for State Legislators, Administrators and Media� held here recently.
He stated that the Sangai is the pride of the State and expressed the need to revamp the KLNP. The workshop was organised by Forest department in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
Rucervus eldii eldii or Sangai deer, one of the rarest deers on Earth, live on floating land masses in KLNP, world�s only floating reserve covering 40 square km area. The reserve is a part of the 246 sq km Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district, located about 50 km from here.
The last Census, carried out in March 31 and April 2 last year, put the Sangai population at 260 against 204 in March 2013 census. There was just 14 Sangai at KLNP during the first census in 1977. Interestingly, the carrying capacity of KNLP is said to be about 297 Sangai, according to experts.
Expressing happiness over the people�s participation in tree plantion activities, he felt there is a positive change among the general population about environment and clubs, NGOs and associations are spreading awareness about tree plantation. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force K Angami, Additional Chief Secretary Shambhu Singh, scientists from Wildlife Institute of India, Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore and media persons attended the workshop.
