The activity aimed to promote awareness about urban biodiversity and encourage public participation in bird monitoring
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Imphal : The Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with Wildlife Explorers, Manipur and the Kangla Board, successfully conducted the Great Backyard Bird Count on the morning of 14 February 2026, starting at 7:00 AM, at the historic Kangla Fort area in Imphal.
The bird count witnessed enthusiastic participation from forest officials, members of Wildlife Explorers, and several wildlife enthusiasts and volunteers.
Vikram Suresh Nadhe, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Central Forest Division; Aquib Jamal,IFS Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Central Forest Division; K. Sashikanta Sharma, Superintendent of the Kangla Board; and office bearers of Wildlife Explorers, Manipur were present during the event and interacted with participants.
The activity aimed to promote awareness about urban biodiversity and encourage public participation in bird monitoring. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global citizen-science initiative that helps generate valuable data on bird populations and distribution.
Participants recorded a variety of bird species within the Kangla Fort premises, highlighting the ecological significance of the area as an important green space in the heart of Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Suresh Nadhe, IFS, stated:“The Great Backyard Bird Count is not merely a birdwatching exercise, but a powerful citizen-science movement that connects people with nature.
Urban green spaces like Kangla Fort serve as vital refuges for biodiversity. Through such initiatives, we aim to sensitize citizens—especially youth—about the importance of conserving habitats and documenting biodiversity.
Aquib Jamal,IFS added that Public participation is the backbone of successful conservation, and every bird recorded today contributes to a larger global understanding of ecological health.”
Brajesh Khoyumthem of Wildlife Explorers, Manipur, also addressed the participants and said:“Citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count empower local communities to actively contribute to global biodiversity databases.
Kangla Fort continues to prove its importance as a biodiversity hotspot within Imphal city. We are encouraged by the growing interest among young birdwatchers and volunteers, and we look forward to strengthening collaboration with the Forest Department in future conservation and awareness programs.”
The Central Forest Division expressed appreciation to Wildlife Explorers, the Kangla Board, and all participants for their support and active involvement, and reiterated its commitment to promoting conservation awareness and citizen participation in biodiversity monitoring.
