Koubru Hill range in the state of Manipur, India is of religious and culture significance. The Meiteis consider the hill range as their place of origin before descending to valley (Imphal) thousands years back. 

There is a hole called Themko before the hill top in Thadou-Kuki which is believed to be the road leading to the home of deities.

Since the time immemorial, various tribes inhibiting the hills have been hunting wild animals and practising shifting cultivation. These practises have led to disappearance and reduction of many wild animals and plants from the hill range. 

The  primitive practise of shifting cultivation locally called ‘Pamlou’ leads to soil erosion and landslides in large scale. 
Government and forest department had remained a mute spectator looking into the  complicated forest ownership of the hill range.
To overcome the poor protection and management of the natural resources, the communities need to adopt preservation.The approach should be based 
on a modern scientific understanding of ecology and ecosystems. 
Universities, social groups and forest department should provide awareness and take up campaigns to stop the deforestation. 

Story by Biswadeep Gupta

Photo by Rajeshwor Yumnum

Slide Show by Vivek Deepak.