Situated between 1,320 MSL low and 2,763 MSL high, Shirui Kashong is the home of Lily, state flower of Manipur and Tragopan blythii, the state bird of Manipur.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
The Somsai Battalion of Assam Rifles organised a tree plantation drive under the theme “Save Shirui” in collaboration with Shirui Village Authority and Ukhrul Forest Division.
Around 250 personnel from Assam Rifles, 100 from Shirui village and officials from Ukhrul Forest Division took part in the tree plantation drive.
The 27 Assam Rifles commanding officer Colonel Rippon Bora stated that “Shirui Kashong, the abode of famous Shirui Lily, which is the pride of Ukhrul was damaged by wildfire that broke out on March 25, 2021 destroying lots of flora and fauna. Today’s planting of trees is an attempt by the villagers of Shirui, Ukhrul Forest Division and Assam Rifles. We are attempting to plant 4,000 saplings of trees, so that the damage caused by the wildfire can be restored to some extent.”
The villagers and Assam Rifles personnel planted a variety of tree species at the base of the Shirui Kashong.
The rain did not deter the plantation programme which started at 11:00 am. The Assam Rifles also arranged lunch for all the participants at Mafąthi (IFAD Resource Centre).
The plantation programme was also attended by DFO Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo, headman of Shirui (CK), Khavangpam Wungsek, headman of Shirui (CT), Wungchanngam Shang Shimray, president of Shirui Youth, Thotreichan Langkan Shangh and leaders of Shirui Shanao Long.
It may be recalled that the wildfire that broke out on March 25, 2021, which lasted for five days at Shirui Kashong destroyed around 120 acres of area. Along with the rain, the relentless effort of the District Administration, Ukhrul police, Ukhrul Forest Department, Assam Rifles, Ukhrul Fire Service, 6th MR Ukhrul, NDRF, SDRF, IAF and villagers of Shirui finally managed to contain the fire.
Situated between 1,320 MSL low and 2,763 MSL high, Shirui Kashong is the home of Lily, state flower of Manipur and Tragopan blythii, the state bird of Manipur. It is also the main source of water for Ukhrul Town and neighbouring villages.