Guwahati: Renowned Manipuri environmentalist Dr Khangembam Shamungou Singh on Monday flagged an apparent error in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, alleging that Manipur’s state animal, the Sangai (brow-antlered deer), has been misnamed as “Thamin” under Schedule I of the Act.
Dr Shamungou told the plenary session of the Manipur Science Congress 2025 at Manipur University in Imphal that the Sangai is a critically endangered species, scientifically classified as Rucervus eldii eldii, and protected under Schedule I of the Act.
However, he pointed out that the legislation refers to the animal as “Thamin” instead of “Sangai”.
Raising concern over the nomenclature, Dr Shamungou questioned whether the law intends to protect the Sangai, which is endemic to Manipur, or the Thamin, a related deer species found across parts of South and Southeast Asia. He expressed hope that the ongoing Manipur Science Congress would initiate steps to address the issue.
The three-day Manipur Science Congress 2025 concluded on Monday at Manipur University, with nearly 300 delegates from various institutions, including participants from outside the state, taking part in the event.
During the plenary sessions, former Dhanamanjuri University vice chancellor Prof N Rajmuhon spoke on the transformative role of science and technology in the 21st century, while T Brajakumar, Director of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), delivered an invited lecture on climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies in Manipur.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla formally inaugurated the congress on Saturday. Manipur University organised the event in collaboration with the Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change under the theme “Science, Innovation and Climate Change”.
The inaugural session also featured the felicitation of award sponsors, distribution of three major awards, and the release of a 375-page souvenir and a proceedings volume. Manipur University Vice Chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh attended the inaugural programme.