IMPHAL — The first ever Tadui Tako, a festival of Himalayan Crocodile Newt of Zaimeng Lake, began at Thonglang Akutpa village and Zaimeng Lake, about 50 km north of Imphal in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, on Friday. The 2-day festival organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, and Zaimeng Joint Development Committee will conclude on July 27. Kangpokpi DC Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhuri; President of Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, R Machundoubou; Chief of Thonglang Atongba, Ch Karambou; Chief of Chawangkining Ch Wisobou; and President of Zaimeng Joint Development Committee MK Somi were present during the opening ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the DC called upon the people for a collective responsibility towards preserving and protecting the endangered Tadui Tako (Himalayan Crocodile Newt). Expressing happiness on hearing the government initiative, he assured all possible help towards preserving nature. Chairman Namrilungbou said that Tadui Tako festival is a symbol of commitment towards preserving the biodiversity of the region, as the species with its unique characteristic and ecological importance, represents the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Informing that Tadui Tako is a salamander species found in the Zaimeng Lake, he called upon the public to work together to turn the lake into a...