Manipur: Forest officials seize 16 bird traps at Loktak Lake

Imphal: With winter migration in full swing, thousands of ducks from Tibet, Siberia, China, and Europe have begun flocking to Manipur’s Loktak Lake and its satellite wetlands, only to face a surge in poaching threats.

Acting on tip-offs, a joint squad of Manipur Forest Division personnel and police dismantled 16 illegal bird traps on Sunday in the Turelmei and Kharung Pat areas—key feeding grounds linked to the iconic lake.

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The crackdown was supervised by Thoubal DFO Leishangthem Jeeceelee and executed by two field units led by Kakching Range Officer Sundar Huidrom, Pallel Beat Officer Nameirakpam Bikramjit, Forester H. Sanamatum, and Waikhong Beat Officer Brojen.

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Range Officer Huidrom warned residents against setting snares, stating that violators will face strict penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. “Migratory birds are arriving in large numbers to roost safely—let’s not turn their sanctuary into a slaughterhouse,” he urged.

Last winter, Coots and Lesser Whistling Ducks dominated sightings, followed by smaller flocks of Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, and Greater Scaup. Authorities vow intensified patrols to ensure the birds’ safe stay.