The Centre has approved Rs 38 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme for the development of ethnic park at Keibul Lamjao area in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.
The park is the natural habitat of rare deer called Sangai (brow-antlered deer).
Manipur forest and environment minister Thounaojam said this on Sunday while speaking at the inaugural function of the Manipur Sangai Festival 2019 at the Keibul Lamjao.
The festival was organised by the department of tourism in collaboration with the forest department.
Minister Shyamkumar said the development of ethnic park at Keibul Lamjao will help in organizing the festival without disturbing the environment of the area.
He said that it will give a proper venue for celebrating the festival without disturbing the daily life of the local residents.
Lauding the locals of the area, forest minister said the conservation of Sangai along with the support of the local residents of Keibul Lamjao and department officials shows that the people are very serious regarding the conservation of wildlife.
He said the conservation of Sangai has set an example to the world that stakeholders can come forward for the wildlife conservation successfully.
The minister said that Manipur is proud that the Sangai has put the State and Keibul Lamjao in the tourists map with the historical significance of the place.
The wildlife conservation efforts in Keibul Lamjao and other areas including the Amur Falcons in Tamenglong have given a message that the human beings cannot live without the wildlife.