Humans associated with bamboo till death: RK Ranjan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 07 2022: Bamboo has played a pivotal role in the cultural life of the people living both in the valley and in the hills of Manipur.

And we have to observe how bamboo has been associated with our society and civilisation, from birth to death, said minister of state for external affairs and education Dr RK Ranjan Singh on Monday.

MoS Ranjan was speaking as chief guest on the two-day international seminar on "Bamboo plantation, hardening and bamboo as earthquake proof materials for construction" organised by Manipur University, Canchipur, CSIR-NEIST, Lamphelpat and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) at Classic Grande in Imphal.

The seminar was organised with the objective to merge the technological aspect of bamboo harvesting and construction with the cultural aspect of the northeast region to produce more traditional architecture that is earthquake-proofed or resistant.

In the last 100 years, the Northeast region has experienced 18 large earthquakes, including the great earthquake of Shillong in 1897 and the Assam-Tibet border in 1950, both measuring 8.7 Richter scale.

"This proves that the Northeast is a highly seismic sensitive region and the region also belongs to the fifth category of the earthquake zone.

So, based on this and accord ing to our traditional use of bamboo with the modern intervention of scientific know-how particularly about the treatment and designing among others and use it properly," said MoS Dr Ranjan.

The minister also informed that bamboo is the highest generator of oxygen and suggested the establishment of an oxygen park with a bamboo garden.

"Considering the value given plant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed the bamboo from the forest cluster and transferred it to the agricultural crop category.

So, we have to use the facility of such kind of legal transformation for giving more and quick varieties of bamboo," said the minister.

Dr Ranjan stated that bamboo products occupy an intrinsic role in Manipuri society, so much so that it is used from one's birth till death.

Manipuri civilisation can be said to have begun on bamboo culture, with the state's history, including folklore, customs and traditions and even general health linked with bamboo.

Arambai, one of the most feared weapons during its time, was also made from bamboo, he informed.

He continued that as bam boo plays an important role in production of oxygen, almost all households in South East Asian plant bamboo.

However, the present generation seems to be unaware of the usefulness of this plant whether it be for food, construction or handicraft products.

He then urged for producing new bamboo products like those being produced in Tripura, while wishing for the seminar to be of huge benefit to all concerned.

The international seminar is being held with support of Babina Healthcare & Hospitality Industries, Public Works Department and Manipur State Bamboo Mission.

According to Organising Committee member Dr Atom Sunil Singh, the amazing versatility of bamboo is no secret to green revolution visionaries.

This plant, also known as Green Gold or the poor man's timber, is abundantly found in North-East India, accounting for 65 per cent of India's total bamboo resources, he said, adding that several bamboo experts are of the opinion that bamboo found abundantly in the region can be harvested to construct earthquake proof houses and other types of construction.

Thus, there is need to merge the technological aspect of Bamboo harvesting arid construction with the cultural aspect of the north eastern region to produce architecture buildings that are earthquake proof.

Based on these objectives, the international seminar was organised, he maintained.

In his speech, CSIR-NEIST, Imphal senior principal scientist Dr H Birkumar Singh said that bamboo is an indigenous resource which is a gift from the almighty.

However, with passage of time, the density of bamboo in the valley area has dropped and as such, efforts need to be taken up to conserve the bamboo growing in the hills.

He then said that bamboo is an important part of human life, with its every part being useful.

Thus, concerted efforts are needed for proper plantation of the same, he asserted.

Presided over by Manipur Health Department retired additional director Dr S Man-ikanta, the inaugural function was also attended by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah; Lt Gen (retired) Dr Konsam Himalay; ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Lamphelpat joint director Dr I Meghachandra Singh; Bamboo Science & Innovation president and World Bamboo Ambassador Dr Jean-Luc Kouyoumji; and Irrawady Bamboo Association, Mandalay, Myanmar Prof Aung Myint.

Delivering the key note address, MU Department of Botany Prof Ksh Lalbihari Singha stated that bamboo is a versatile woody shrub of the family Poaceae and more than 1,600 bamboo species are reported worldwide which consists of ca1,500 old woody species.

"Despite socio-cultural and mythological importance, several thousands of both traditional and technology-based applications of bamboo have been recognised.

Moreover, bamboo also delivers innumerable ecosystem services which are reckoned under intangible ecological returns that balance bio-geo-chemical cycles and global climate scenarios," he said.

"Bamboo is well recognised as an effective reducer of greenhouse gases with significant potential for carbon sequestration, maintaining water table with healthy water cycle, effective soil binder, potential noise reducer etc.," said Prof Singha.

Later, performances on Yakairol Pena by S Lucky Star and Chakpa Andro Panam Ningthou Meihoubirol cultural Group formed the main highlight of the programme.

In the first technical session on "Earthquakes in Manipur and North East India" chaired by Dr H Birkumar Singh and co-chaired by Dr Jean-Luc-Kouyoumji and Prof Aung Myint, four speakers, namely Marjing Industries, Manipur executive director Dr Atom Sunil; MU Department of Earth Science Asst Prof Dr Sarda Maibam; Planning Department, MARSAC Geosciences Scientist-B L Ramananda; and NBM assistant mission director N Somorendro delivered their respective lectures, the release further conveyed.

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