Large numbers of Amur falcons have started arriving in Tamenglong district of Manipur, on the border with Nagaland, according to official reports. Bird lovers and forestry department officials believe that despite massive awareness campaigns, some people have caught these winged visitors from countries as far as 30,000 km away.

To protect the birds, Tamenglong District Collector Hungyo Worshing ordered all air guns to be deposited with village authorities by October 31. The authorities were invited to submit a report on the measures taken. The order added that the air cannons would be kept in the custody of village authorities until the falcons leave Manipur, which is usually around November 30.

A person who captures the Amur Falcon for consumption or sale is liable to punishment under Articles 50 and 51 of the Manipur Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

The recent awareness-raising campaigns among the population of Tamenglong district have elicited encouraging reactions. The elders also urged the young people not to catch the birds as they were helping to control the insects that were destroying the standing rice crops.

Authorities are monitoring Amur Falcons using satellite beacons. However, some of the birds had been shot with air rifles. There are reports that some of these birds have been coming to Tamenglong for more than three consecutive years.

Reports indicate that the number of migratory birds coming to Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the northeast, is drastically declining due to their capture, water contamination and heavy use. poison ladder to catch fish.