Manipur Hosts Great Backyard Bird Count at Kangla Fort
The Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with Wildlife Explorers Manipur and the Kangla Board, successfully organised the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) on the morning of February 14, 2026, at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal.
The bird count exercise began at 7:00 am and witnessed enthusiastic participation from forest officials, members of Wildlife Explorers Manipur, wildlife enthusiasts, and volunteers.
Among the dignitaries present were 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. Officials interacted with participants and encouraged greater public involvement in conservation initiatives.
Promoting Urban Biodiversity Awareness
The programme aimed to raise awareness about urban biodiversity and promote citizen participation in bird monitoring. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global citizen-science initiative that collects valuable data on bird populations and their distribution worldwide.
Participants recorded a variety of bird species within the Kangla Fort premises, highlighting the ecological importance of the historic site as a vital green space in the heart of Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Suresh Nadhe said the GBBC is not merely a birdwatching event but a powerful citizen-science movement connecting people with nature. He emphasised that urban green spaces like Kangla Fort serve as crucial refuges for biodiversity and stressed the need to sensitise youth about habitat conservation and biodiversity documentation.
Aquib Jamal noted that public participation forms the backbone of successful conservation efforts, adding that every bird recorded contributes to a broader global understanding of ecological health.
Brajesh Khoyumthem of Wildlife Explorers Manipur also addressed the gathering, stating that citizen-science initiatives empower local communities to meaningfully contribute to global biodiversity databases. He observed that Kangla Fort continues to demonstrate its importance as a biodiversity hotspot within Imphal city.
The Central Forest Division expressed appreciation to Wildlife Explorers Manipur, the Kangla Board, and all participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening conservation awareness and citizen engagement in biodiversity monitoring programmes.
