Imphal, June 29 -- In a major step towards environmental conservation and eco-tourism, the Manipur government has officially declared the Kharungpat wetland in southern Kakching district as the state's eighth wildlife sanctuary.

Located about 35 km south of Imphal, the 227-hectare wetland is the state's third-largest freshwater lake after Loktak and Pumlen.

The sanctuary was recently notified in the name of the Governor under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with the aim of reversing the decline in migratory bird numbers and conserving the fragile wetland ecosystem.

The Kharungpat wetland serves as an important habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds, including the Yellow-breasted Bunting.

During the 2023 bi...