Two TSE staffs bag best reporting prize on wetlands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2021: Two staffs of The Sangai Express have won top prizes for best reporting (print media) held as a part of "Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands" campaign organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) under the sponsorship of Forest Department and Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

The prizes consisted of a cash component and certificate each.

The prize distribution ceremony for best reporting in three categories namely, print, video and photography on the theme "Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands" was held today at Manipur Press Club with Joint Director of Directorate of Environment and Climate change, Tourangbam Brajakumar; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, K Angami, president of AMWJU, K Bijoy and president of EGM, Khogendro Khomdram attending as presidium members.

While reporter of The Sangai Express, Nando Waikhom bagged the third best reporting prize (in print media section), Shijagurumayum Saratchandra, a sub editor of The Sangai Express (English) bagged the first prize.

The second best reporting prize on the other hand went to Keny Phurailatpam of the Imphal Free Press.

Meanwhile, in the best video news report category, Khumanthem Gentle (reporter) and M Ojit Singh (cameraman) of TOM TV; Kharibam Yaiphaba (reporter) and Potshangbam Saratchandra (cameraman) of TOM TV and Khundrakpam Jotindro (reporter) and Irom Mocha (cameraman) of Impact TV won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.

Robinson Wahengbam of Sanaleibak (1st); Sh Ajit of Imphal Times (2nd) and Laishram Ranbir of Morning Bell (3rd) were declared the best photographers of the campaign.

Speaking at the occasion, Joint Director of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Tourangbam Brajakumar lauded AMWJU for organising such an important media campaign within a short span of time.

The media campaign not only helped the Directorate in assessing the current ground situation of the sanctuaries and wetlands of the State but also highlighted it to the public while seeking remedial measures at the same time, he said.

The campaign conducted by the journalists of the State on such an environmental subject is very significant and if all stakeholders-people, media and Government agencies, work hand in hand, it would not be difficult to tackle environmental and climatic issues., he added.The Directorate, with a view to promote journalists towards reporting on environmental subjects, has also introduced media fellowship in the recent years and is acknowledging journalists for their reportage, he said while adding that such a fellowship programme has earned appreciation from many bodies working for safeguarding the environment.

Applauding the idea of competition among journalists on the theme of the campaign, he said that such competition will help bring out the best effort and best report from the journalists to highlight the issues in depth and help in dealing the issues more effectively.

The Directorate is ever ready to work with AMWJU in all its future ventures related to assessing environmental issues, he continued.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, K Angami too appreciated the organisation for the campaign which assessed the condition of the environment, which are basically property bestowed upon all by the Almighty.

At times, the officials of the departments concerned fail to take stock of the actual conditions of the forest, wildlife and environment as a whole, but with the media persons and through such campaigns, they can learn the situation, though it may be or may not be up to their expectations, he added.

"We have failed miserably and are continuously struggling to save the environment which was once protected by the forefathers for centuries though they may not be privileged, educated and developed as we are today," the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests said while calling all for a collective and consistent effort to save the environment and betterment of all.

EGM president Khogendro Khomdram, also expressed happiness over the successful conclusion of the campaign which had been thought of for long but could be executed earlier.

Though some issues may have hindered the smooth organisation of the campaign midway, it has been a successful campaign in many aspects and have put front the conditions, prevailing challenges and issues pertaining to sanctuaries and wetlands in the State.

He also expressed gratitude to the CM, Forest Minister, Department of Forest and Directorate of Environment and Climate Change for the support during the campaign and to the villagers, village authorities in both hills and valley who provided many forms of assistance without which the campaign would be incomplete.

President of AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam also called on all journalists to give more thrust in their writings which would have great impact and would be key in assessing and solving environmental issues.

Comment