Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh launched a digital Pony Registration System on October 12. The move aims to save the state's critically endangered indigenous pony. The launch occurred at the Secretariat in Mantripukhri during the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Development Board. The National Informatics Centre developed the portal to track ownership and population metrics.
The breed is in decline. It needs help. Officials want scientific management to prevent the population from vanishing. Dr. L. Arunkumar Singh presented the 2016 conservation policy to the board, but the Chief Minister demanded immediate updates to make it more effective. The system will provide data to help authorities offer veterinary care, monitor diseases, and deliver financial or feed assistance to owners, especially those struggling financially.
Participants discussed the need to secure grazing grounds and set up dedicated reserves in various districts. They hope these steps will stop animals from wandering onto roads, where they often cause traffic accidents. The board also aims to link conservation with eco-tourism and traditional polo, or Sagol Kangjei. Yumnam stated on social media, "I had chaired the board's inaugural meeting."
Key attendees included Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur and IGP Themthing Ngashangva, along with heads from departments like Tourism, Forest, and Youth Affairs. Representatives from the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, Manipur Pony Society, and Manipur Equestrian Association also attended. Proposed future steps include an equine hospital, a genetics-based breeding program, and adding the pony to the school curriculum.
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