Imphal: Forest officials and wildlife activists seized bird traps and recovered two dead birds during anti-poaching operations conducted in Imphal West district on Sunday.
The drives were carried out by the Joint Co-ordination Committee on Wildlife & Biodiversity (JCCWB), in coordination with local forest beat offices and under the supervision of Imphal West Range Forest Officer Kiranjit Yumnam.
The first operation was conducted in the open fields of Tharoijam following information about alleged bird poaching using traps and airguns. A joint team from the JCCWB and Iroisemba Beat Office searched the area and seized three bird traps.
The team also recovered two dead birds during the operation. The confiscated traps were deposited at the Iroisemba Beat Office, while the remains of the birds were disposed of by the authorities.
A second anti-poaching drive was conducted at the Khamenbi Lamyai wetland in Mayang Imphal after reports of extensive bird trapping in nearby paddy fields.
A team led by JCCWB member Shrinibash Waikhom, along with personnel from the Mayang Imphal Forest Beat Office, identified and removed several trapping nets from the area. The seized nets were subsequently destroyed by burning in front of the Mayang Imphal Forest Beat Office.
JCCWB convenor Romesh Ningthoujam said the wetland operation uncovered evidence of widespread netting at several locations. He said Range Officer Kiranjit Yumnam had assured continued monitoring of vulnerable habitats to prevent further wildlife poaching.
Ningthoujam also urged residents to refrain from trapping wild birds and using airguns for hunting, stressing the ecological importance of birds in maintaining environmental balance.
He warned that those caught engaging in such activities could face legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.