Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03 2009:
The World Wetlands Day was observed yesterday at the office of the Human Rights Initiative under the joint aegis of the Manipur Association of Science and Society (MASS), Human Rights Initiative (HRI), INTACH Manipur Chapter and Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, conveyed a joint press release.
Speaking at the occasion, HRI chairperson Dr RK Ranjan said that there was an urgent need for engagement at both local and broader levels to safeguard wetlands in Manipur.
He noted the need to help NGOs, CSOs know about wetlands and the need for them to work toward protecting wetlands rather than just focusing on civil and political rights.
He also elaborated on the role of wetlands in conserving biodiversity, as a climate regulator, as source of nutrients for the well being of human beings.
Somorjit T hailing from the downstream of Mapithel Dam said that wetlands which are closely linked to the livelihood system of riverine habitation has been severely affected due to construction of Mapithel dam.
Negative impacts of Mapithel Dam in the downstream, which have not been recognised yet, should be taken into account for proper management and rehabilitation of the affected people, he demanded.
Observing that Loktak lake is facing extinction, Dr L Sarat of MASS called upon the people to work together to save this very important wetland system.
Asserting that the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) is not designed to save Loktak lake, he called for a rethinking on the role of LDA.
Sarat advocated that activities of LDA should be expanded so that it can look more holistically at the status of wetlands in Manipur.
The gathering also made certain recommendations for the Government as well as the public.
The recommendations include comprehensive water policy for Manipur, setting up of a wetland board to look into the wetland system as a whole, a policy that guarantees no disturbance to the ecosystem of river basins and implementation of best alternatives and a land use policy that protects all arable land, added the release.