Shirui villagers stand together to preserve Kashong

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 9

To safeguard the deteriorating habitat and environment of Shirui Kashong, the Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) was formed on July 30.

The chairman SKAFLOC, Mayopam Shangh has stated that the body has been formed with a strong concern over the drastic ecological changes in the past 20 years, which has resulted in the extinction of valuable medicinal plants in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong. The survival of Manipur state flower Shirui Lily, state bird Nongyin and state tree Uningthou has now become endangered, he added.

During an interaction with the IFP correspondent, secretary of SKAFLOC, Khamshon Luirei has said that 40 local landowners in Shirui Kashong have come together to protect and preserve the forest area with due consent and knowledge of the Shirui village authority.

The members agreed to stop felling of trees, hunting of animals and check forest fire. They also have decided to prevent other resources from being extracted and promised to enhance the bio-diversity by taking up re-forestation programme in the days to come. The members of the body further appealed to the public to extend support in preserving Shirui Kashong.

Meanwhile, construction of PMGSY road from Shirui to Ngapum Zingsui and Sambu area has caused landslide at numerous places at the abode of Shirui Lily, and the source of water of Kokthi Kongrei and Namra Kong has also been disturbed. Shirui village is the main source of water supply for Ukhrul town and neighbouring villages.

However, due to rampant felling of trees and frequent landslide caused by the construction of PMGSY road at the foothills of Shirui Kashing has led to change in the level of water. Maiharam area which is a habitat and a home to Nongyin and Tragopan birds is also facing problems due to occurrence of frequent landslide.