CRA underscores roles of wetlands
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 01 2020:
The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA) has urged the State Government to recognize the unique roles of wetlands in sus-taining the rich biodiversity of the State and to ensure protection of wetlands with active involvement of indi-genous communities in wetland management.
On the occasion of the World Wetlands Day, CRA stressed on the importance of wetlands in sustaining the biodiversity as well as the livelihood of the communities depending on the wetlands.
It expressed concern at 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 like Waithoupat, Sangaipat, Porompat wetlands are on the verge of disappearing completely, it lamented.
Concerned at how the wetlands are subjected to unsustainable developmental processes, thereby destroying the rich biodiversity and livelihood of indigenous communities, CRA pointed out that the conversion of Loktak wetlands as the reservoir of the 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric project by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation destroyed the rich biodiversity and ecosystem of Loktak Lake.
The impact is even felt further down in Pumlenpat wetlands, CRA alleged adding that this has led to loss of endemic fish and other aquatic species unique to the wetlands of the State.
Furthermore, the proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam will also submerge Zeilat Lake and other wetlands in Tamenglong district, it claimed.
CRA explained that various energy and infrastructure projects in the wetlands, including construction of Loktak Ring Road, inland waterways, establishment of myriad institutions, tourism projects, National parks etc along with enforcement of Loktak Lake Protection Act 2006, contributed to biodiversity loss.
Such unsustainable interventions also restrict communities' use and dependence on Loktak wetlands, apart from violating the wise use principles of the Ramsar Convention, 1971 .
The failure of the Imphal Sewerage project and inadequate and chaotic solid waste management in Imphal worsened the pollution of wetlands in Manipur, primarily the Loktak wetlands through discharge from the rivers like Nambul river which is flowing through Imphal town, CRA explained.
Looking after all such developments, CRA urged the State Government to acknowledge the role of wetlands in sustaining rich biodiversity in the State and to ensure protection of the wetlands with rightful involvement of indigenous communities.
It further urged the Government to rethink and rescind unsustainable development projects.
It demanded decommissioning of the Ithai Barrage and repeal of the Manipur Loktak Protection Act 2006 .
Communities' right and role in sustainable wetlands management must be fully recognised, CRA demanded.