Festival promotes conservation of endangered Himalayan Crocodile Newt in Manipur

IMPHAL — The second edition of the Tadui Tako (Himalayan Crocodile Newt) Festival was inaugurated on Wednesday at Thonglang Atongba village and Zaimeng Lake, about 50 km north of Imphal in Kangpokpi district. The two-day event aims to conserve the endangered Tadui Tako Salamander and protect the Zaimeng wetland ecosystem.

Organised by the Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee with support from the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the festival featured expert presentations on salamander conservation, cultural performances by villagers, and discussions on ecological challenges.

Former minister Awangbow Newmai, former MP Mani Charenamei, Tuijang Waichong SDO Hemant Kumar, Liangmai Naga Council president R Machundoubou, and Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee president MK Somi attended the inaugural programme.

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Speakers expressed concern over the conservation prospects of the palm-sized Himalayan Crocodile Newt, stressing that preserving Zaimeng Lake is also about protecting local communities.

Programme officer SK Gainaimei of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change said the festival seeks to safeguard the species and promote the lake’s ecosystem. The Tadui Tako is listed as endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

During the technical session, Dr. Ersillia Jajo of Pettigrew College, Ukhrul, spoke on the “Ecological significance of hill wetlands,” while Dr. Phalva Dacemson of Don Bosco College, Maram, highlighted the “Impact of climate change on salamander habitats.” The session was moderated by Dr. Habibullah Khan of the Directorate.

The concluding day of the festival on Thursday will include a site visit to Zaimeng wetland with officials and experts to assess its ecological condition.