Importance of village level biodiversity management committee stressed
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, June 25 2019: During an awareness programme Tuesday at Town Hall Phungreitang, Ukhrul, Addl PCCF Dr Lokho Puni advised the villagers about the need to preserve biodiversity and formation of village level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) for successful conservation and preservation of biodiversity.

Speaking at the one day awareness programme on biodiversity management for Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, Dr Lokho Puni, who is also a member secretary of Manipur State Biodiversity Board, highlighted the importance of every species for human survival and maintaining ecological balance for sustaining life.

Importance of village level biodiversity management committee stressed

He said extensive and rampant forest exploitation for commercial purposes have destroyed and disturbed the ecosystem adversely affecting all forms of life including humans.

He stressed the importance of setting up grassroot level biodiversity management groups or committees such as formation of Biodiversity Management Committees at the village level to revive devastated forests.

Appealing all the locals of all 214 villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong district to be aware of the degrading environment, he advised that the village authority members, women and youth leaders to be active parts of the BMC and play decisive roles which will successfully conserve the environment and biodiversity.

The basic duty of the BMC is to enhance conservation and collection of data of all floras and faunas that thrive in the village ecosystem/area, he said.

A District Level Biodiversity Management Committee, Ukhrul headed by ADC Chairman was formed in March 2019 .

This committee will monitor and supervise the village level BMCs of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts in order to ensure smooth implementation and management at grassroot level, he said.

While Ukhrul ADC Chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung also stressed on the need of collective effort to save earth from men made destruction, Tuisem vice president TNL Tuisem informed that the Tangkhul Naga Long has incorporated policies of biodiversity management in their constitution.

He also urged villages to frame rules and regulations based on their tradition and custom to protect and conserve the biodiversity.

CEO, Ukhrul Polly Makan, Ukhrul ADC members, DFO Shangam Shaliwo, Headmen, women leaders, youth leaders and others attended the event.