Imphal, May 23, 2026: World Turtle Day was observed at the Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG), Iroisemba, Imphal, with a focus on raising awareness about turtle conservation and the protection of freshwater ecosystems.
The programme was jointly organised by the Manipur Zoological Garden and Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India (TSAFI) under the theme, “Let Turtle Live, Let Nature Thrive, Protect Wildlife, Protect Our Future.”
A total of 158 students and 10 teachers from Grace Academy, Tarung, Imphal, participated in the programme and joined hands with MZG and TSAFI to highlight the ecological importance of turtles, the threats faced by them and the need for collective conservation efforts.
Director of MZG, Shri L. Biramongol Singh, IFS, highlighted the ongoing conservation initiatives for the critically endangered Asian Giant Tortoise in Manipur. He said MZG and TSAFI have undertaken significant efforts towards the conservation of the species, including a successful conservation breeding programme at the zoo.
According to Singh, the breeding programme is intended to support the eventual reintroduction of the species into suitable habitats. He also stressed the importance of awareness and capacity-building programmes among young people to strengthen future conservation initiatives and address threats to the species.
As part of the programme, Dr. L. Saratchandra Singh, Veterinary Officer, MZG; Th. Gyanic Singh, Range Forest Officer, MZG; O. Ambika Devi, Deputy Ranger, MZG; and Sanjenbam Joel Singh, Associate, TSAFI, conducted talks and interactive sessions on turtle conservation, wildlife protection and the importance of safeguarding freshwater ecosystems.
A pledge session was also conducted by Sanjenbam Joel Singh, during which the participating students and teachers pledged their support for the conservation of non-marine chelonians in the region.
Sushmita Kar, Project Coordinator, Northeast India, TSAFI, said turtles have existed for around 220 million years, dating back to the Triassic era, but are among the most threatened vertebrates today.
She noted that Manipur is home to rich and unique populations of rare turtle species, while conservation initiatives for these lesser-known species remain limited. Turtles, she added, play an important ecological role by helping keep ecosystems clean through scavenging and contributing to forest regeneration through seed dispersal.
The World Turtle Day programme highlighted the need to strengthen conservation awareness among younger generations and encourage greater community participation in protecting Manipur’s unique turtle diversity and natural ecosystems.
