Framing environmental policies : RK Nimai stresses on taking views of all
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14 2019:
While underscoring the need for incorporating the ideas and views of stakeholders and intellectuals in taking up developmental works and framing Government policies related to the environment of the State, retired Commissioner RK Nimai has urged all sections of the society to articulate views and comments on any initiatives taken up by the State Government.
He was speaking as the chief guest on International Day of Action for Rivers under the theme "Climate Change & Riverine Eco-system in Manipur" which was jointly organized by Directorate of Environment, Manipur, South East Asia Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Humanities (SEACASH) and Classic Group of Hotels, under the aegis of Marjing Industries Private Limited, at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal today.
Nimai further stated that Government Departments and the authorities concerned should put the data and information related to environmental projects and issues, in the public domain so that citizens can access and analyse them (environmental projects) .
Data collected on environmental issues by the Government Departments and authorities are also needed for further research works by researchers, he added.
Saying that a comprehensive/inclusive/broad aspect of nature should be taken into account while taking up initiatives related to environment, he said that taking up "Rejuvenation and Conservation of Nambul River at Imphal in Manipur" will not bear fruits without a holistic approach and without studying the broader aspects of environmental degradation in the State even if the intent and purpose of the Government is positive.
He continued that covering Naga Nala and studying other causes leading to contamination of Nambul River is a must when taking up the project to clean the river.
The knowledge for environment among the people of the State is very limited as of now.
It is essential to imbibe useful and suitable ideas and methodologies adopted in other parts of the world.
Besides, the youth, more particularly the PHD students should do in-depth studies and research works on environmental issues, Nimai continued.
The retired Commissioner also stressed on the adverse impact of projects taken up on the pretext of development, citing Dolaithabi Barrage and few other projects as examples.
Manipur University Dean N Rajmuhon noted the importance of reviving and preserving the cultures and traditions which are closely linked with conservation and protection of the environment.
He also expressed desire to develop Umang Lai (Nature God) shrines in an eco friendly manner, in the effort to protect the environment.
Noting that delving into the scenario of climate change and environmental degradation taking place around the globe is a must to save the environment, he opined that mass awareness in this aspect, will go a long way towards protecting the environment.
CSIR, NEIST, Imphal Principal Scientist Dr H Birkumar Singh, MU former Registrar Dr RK Ranjan and Kwaklei & Khonggun Melei Orchids Private Limited CEO Dr RK Kishor also attended the function as president and guests of honour respectively.