Ukhrul: In an effort to recognize the increasing threats posed by climate change and other factors, a joint team of Ukhrul-based journalists and concerned departmental officials conducted a one-day spot survey of Shirui Kashong (Lilium Macklinae), Kashong Timrawon in Tangkhul dialect, the state flower of Manipur, on Saturday.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ukhrul District Information Office (DIO) and the Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association (UDWJA), was carried out under the theme “Journalistic Research on the Growth of Shirui Lily, the State Flower of Manipur vis-à-vis Climate Change.” It aimed to document the current state of the endangered lily and raise awareness about its plight. By witnessing the lily’s growth conditions firsthand, the team sought to understand the impact of environmental changes on its survival.
The tallest lily flower observed during the survey was about 3 feet and 9 inches. The Lilies appeared to be shorter on average compared to previous years. The team also noted the arduous conditions under which the Lilies thrived amidst the dense undergrowth of Ma-rām, a bamboo-like plant native to Kashong. Villagers shared their concerns about Ma-rām posing a significant threat to the survival of the rare Lilies. They explained that the bamboo’s extensive root system inhibited the sprouting of lily bulbs, hindering their propagation. “The uncontrolled spread of Ma-rām has drastically diminished the available habitat for lily growth,” lamented a villager.
After the suspension of annual controlled burning on the peak for the past several years, the growth of Ma-rām has shrunk the habitat of the lily. Therefore, to propagate more Lilies, the Shirui Youth Club implemented the traditional method of controlled burning on January 27, 2023. According to the Shirui Youth Club, the traditional controlled burning has produced good results, with the number of Lilies increasing in 2023 at Shirui Kashong.
In 2023, the Shirui Youth Club issued a statement saying, “For hundreds of years, our (Shirui Village) ancestors, with a vast amount of traditional ecological knowledge, have well-managed the ecosystem across the land of Shirui. Indigenous practices and the use of fire are probably one of the main tools, if not the main tool, to control or balance the environment. They have practiced these so-called ‘prescribed regular burns’ from time to time to prevent, control, and balance the ecology and prevent uncontrolled mega-fires. If our ancestors could live with fire safely, why can’t we? Fire has long been used to eliminate unwanted vegetation. Regular prescribed burns mean less kindling on the forest floor and fewer smaller trees and shrubs that might impede movement. Some plants and animals wouldn’t survive without fire. Thus, with the objectives of balancing the intensity of fire needed to eliminate unwanted elements and retain beneficial ones, and with an awareness of fire’s behavior, effects, and timing, we, the Shirui Youth Club, with approval from the Assembly of Shirui, have set the fire in the habitat of the Shirui Lily for its sake. We will continue the practice of using fire (prescribed regular burns) to balance, control, manage, and protect the environment and surroundings of the ‘Beautiful Lily.'”
The club also noted that “burning during January does not affect the lily as the root of the flower stays beneath the soil.” The Shirui Youth Club collected the seeds for replanting during the spring season. The club, within its capacity and resources, has been trying to mitigate the pressure on the state flower for many years without any financial or monetary assistance from the government. After much study and research, it was found that the most effective tool, given the available resources, to combat the invasive Ma-rām shrub is the practice of controlled fire.
DIO of Ukhrul, Wungkhan Shimray, lauded the local journalists for their proactive role in spearheading this crucial initiative. He acknowledged the growing concern surrounding the lily’s vulnerability due to the impact of climate change and other factors.
Addie Chiphang, president of UDWJA, expressed gratitude to DIO of Ukhrul, Wungkhan Shimray, for supporting the trip and ensuring the necessary resources were available for the team to conduct the survey successfully.
Upon reaching the peak, the team was greeted with a beautiful yet scattered array of blooming Shirui Lilies and many plants with petals at different stages of wilting.
Talking to the team, local villagers revealed that the bloom season was nearing its end, and some plants had started shedding their petals for the current season.
Hundreds of visitors were seen climbing the peak on Saturday. People from Tengnoupal, Senapati, Chandel, and mainland India were among the visitors, in addition to the locals. So far, around 2,000 visitors have been recorded this year, according to information obtained from the registration counter.
About The Author
