Rapid degradation of the wetlands in Manipur

1st February 2020

The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA) would like to recall the importance of Wetlands in sustaining the biodiversity and the livelihood of communities depending on wetlands of Manipur on the World Wetlands day on 2nd February 2020.

The CRA while noting the theme of the World Wetlands Day, 2020, i.e., “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, would like to expresses concern with the rapid degradation of the wetlands in Manipur due to rapid urbanization, reclamation for agriculture, impacts of climate change and subjection of wetlands to unsustainable development.

Today, Lamphelpat and other wetlands, viz Waithoupat, Sangaipat, Porompat wetlands etc are on verge of complete disappearances.

CRA express our concern with how wetlands are subjected to unsustainable development processes, destroying rich biodiversity and livelihood of indigenous communities depending on wetlands.

The conversion of Loktak Wetlands as the reservoir for the 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric project by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation destroyed the rich biodiversity and ecosystem in Loktak Wetlands and further down in Pumlenpat wetlands, leading to loss of endemic fish and other aquatic species unique to wetlands of Manipur.

Further, the proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam will also submerge the Zeilat Lake and other wetlands in Tamenglong District, Manipur.

The pursuance of neoliberal development model rooted in corporatization of peoples’ land and resources already affected the wetlands ecosystems of Manipur too. Various energy and infrastructure projects in wetlands, including the construction of Loktak Ring Road, the Inland Waterways, establishment of myriad institutions, tourism projects, national parks etc along with imposition of Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 contributed to biodiversity loss and restricts communities use and dependence on Loktak wetlands.

Such unsustainable interventions violate the “wise use principles” of Ramsar Convention, 1971.

The failure of the French financed Imphal Sewerage project and inadequate and chaotic solid waste management in Imphal worsened pollution of wetlands in Manipur, primarily the Loktak wetlands through discharge from Rivers like Nambul River flowing through Imphal town.

The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur would like to urge upon the Government of Manipur to recognize the unique role of wetlands in sustaining rich biodiversity of Manipur and ensure protection of the Wetlands with the rightful involvement of indigenous communities in wetlands management.

The Government should rethink and rescind unsustainable development projects that destroyed wetlands ecosystems in Manipur. The Ithai Barrage of 105 MW Loktak hydel project should be decommissioned. The Manipur Loktak Protection Act, 2006 that curtailed community rights over Loktak wetlands should be repealed. Communities’ right and role in sustainable wetlands management should be fully recognized.

(Sanaton Laishram)
President
Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur
Jupiter Yambem Centre, Paona Bazar,
Imphal
Manipur India 795001