Moirangthem Loiya Ngamba

In 2003, Moirangthem Loiya Ngamba was looking for land to create a green space for local communities. Passionate about nature, he recently founded his NGO, the Wildlife and Habitat Protection Society (WAHPS), to conserve the region’s natural wealth.

It was at this time that a farmer in the foothills of the Langol Range suggested visiting a nearby hill, Punshilok. With a name that literally means “Spring of Life,” this hill was once an important forest during the reign of King Luwang Ningthou Punshiba, a ruler whose descent many Manipuris trace. However, years of deforestation, forest fires and indiscriminate use of forest resources by villagers have rendered it sterile.

With the help of a few friends, Moirangthem began by cleaning the area. Then they cleaned and desanded the creek, making it a good source of drinking water for the people of the valley. This was followed by a major woodworking campaign, with young boys and girls working tirelessly to make Punshilok green again.

To ensure that the young trees were carefully fed and protected, Moirangthem decided to make Punshilok his home. He built a small hut and lived on the hill alone for the next six years. Under his careful action, lush green vegetation spread over the earth, giving it life.