World Wetlands Day observed at Sendra
Wetlands are vital for the survival of human, says Shyamkumar
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Bishnupur, February 02 2019:
The World Wetlands Day 2019 was observed today at the State level on the theme 'Wetlands and Climate Change' at Sendra, Bishnupur district jointly organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and Loktak Lake Tourism Development Co-operative SocietyLimited.
World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, each year to mark the adoption of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.The Convention is the only multilateral environmental agreement to date for conservation and wise usage of wetlands.
The World Wetland Day is being organized to raise awareness on the values wetlands have for nature and society.
Each year, the World Wetlands Day is attached to a specific theme.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest of the State-level function, Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said that the conservation of environment is vital for the survival of the human beings.
Adding that water is necessary for the sustenance of life and wetlands are the life support systems that ensure functioning of water cycle, he said the wetlands have special attributes as cultural heritage of humanity and have deep connections with our beliefs and practices.
They are indeed an important part of our natural wealth and assets, he added.
Speaking on the degrading environment, he said that the pollution of the Loktak Lake, known as the mirror of the Manipur, is not a sign of development and delved on the importance of the Loktak Lake which is the largest fresh water lake in the North East India adding that the lake including other wetlands moderate the climate of the State.
He said that active public participation is necessary to save the Loktak Lake.
He also condemned the rampant hunting of birds in the State which has direct impact on the environment and urged the public to plant more trees to improve the health of the environment adding that the existence of wildlife is also equally important in preserving the eco-systems.
K Jugeshwor Singh, principal of Kumbi College and Dr S Shyamjai Singh, Scientific Officer, LDA spoke in length about the observance of the day, importance of the wetlands, scope of wetlands tourism and link between the wetlands and the environment.
Stating that the forest is the lungs of the earth and the wetlands are the kidneys, Dr Shyamjai said that wetlands occupy 6 percent of the total earth's land surface and 12 percent of it acts as a carbon sink.
He said that wetlands are vital for our water and food security and it helps stabilize water supplies, cleanse polluted waters, protect shorelines and recharge groundwater aquifers.
He said that wetlands play an important role in reducing the impact of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and cyclones and it act as a natural sponge, absorbing and storing excess rainfall and reducing flooding.
During the dry season, they release the water stored, delaying the onset of droughts and reducing water shortages, he added.
As part of the function a spot painting competition was also held among 109 students of various schools at the Loktak Inland Transport complex.
The winners were given certificates along with cash reward of Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000, Rs 1,000 as first, second and third prize respectively.
Two students received Rs 500 each as a consolation prize and certificates.
K Robindro Singh, Deputy Speaker; Dr Radheshyam Yumnam, Chairman MANITON/MANIDCO; Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Enviornment); L Bhagaton Singh, Project Director, LDA; students and teachers of various schools of the area, among others attended the function.
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