The Manipur government has announced plans to develop a bird sanctuary at Kharungpat in Kakching district, in a move aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-tourism in the state. A senior forest official said that the proposed sanctuary will cover around 227 hectares, accounting for about 6.7 per cent of the total wetland area. The site is considered ecologically significant, particularly for the conservation of waterbirds, including both resident and migratory species.

According to the official, the 2023 bird census recorded around 69 species in the area, of which nearly 40 per cent were migratory birds. However, the latest census conducted in 2025 has shown a noticeable decline in migratory bird numbers, raising concern within the state government. The official said the state Cabinet’s decision to declare Kharungpat a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, marks a significant step in Manipur’s conservation efforts.