Imphal: In a major step towards environmental conservation and eco-tourism, the Manipur government has officially declared the Kharungpat wetland in southern Kakching district as the state’s eighth wildlife sanctuary.
Located about 35 km south of Imphal, the 227-hectare wetland is the state’s third-largest freshwater lake after Loktak and Pumlen.
The sanctuary was recently notified in the name of the Governor under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with the aim of reversing the decline in migratory bird numbers and conserving the fragile wetland ecosystem.
The Kharungpat wetland serves as an important habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds, including the Yellow-breasted Bunting.
During the 2023 bird census, the wetland recorded 69 bird species, nearly 40% of which were migratory birds that arrived via the Central Asian Flyway.
The notification follows sustained public advocacy led by local MLA Usham Deben Singh. Grassroots support also came from the Keirak United Development Association, the Citizens’ Association for Rural Development, members of the Wabagai Zila Parishad, and the South Tentha Youth Development Organisation.
Recognising the area’s socio-ecological importance, the state government has described the initiative as a “people’s project” that relies on community participation.
Beyond conservation, the State Forest Department, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, plans to develop Kharungpat as an eco-tourism destination.
The department also plans to constitute an Eco-Development Committee comprising local villagers to promote ecosystem conservation alongside sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that tourism benefits the surrounding communities.