'Revival of wetlands needs proper documentation and research works'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 06 2020:
Deputy Director of the Directorate of Environment, T Brajakumar, has assured that the Directorate is trying to revive 7 select wetlands, out of potential 23 wetlands present in Manipur, under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017.Speaking at the observation of World Wetlands Day at Nongmaikhong Leilamkhong Lairembi community hall at Kakching district yesterday under the aegis of Pumlen Pat Khoidum Lamjao Kanba Apunba Lup and the Directorate of Environment, the Deputy Director said that as per the report of the Manipur State Remote Sensing, around 119 wetlands were identified in Manipur.
Out of the said total number of wetlands, 23 were classified as having the potential to be saved/revived.
As such, the Directorate has started taking up steps to revive 7 out of these select 23 wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, Brajakumar informed.
He continued that a policy conceived by the Government in the interest of the people and their welfare, is supposed to be beneficial and explained that a policy is often regarded in a negative way if it fails to be implemented in a proper way or manner.
Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy Director further explained about the negative impacts to the environment as a result of the reckless behaviour of humans.
Brajakumar said that the people are the true owners of the wetlands and the Government is present just as an overseer.
As such, saving the wetlands, need the united effort of the people and the Government.
The State Government is intently working towards saving those wetlands which have degraded to an extreme degree first, he added.
Brajakumar opined that such venture needs proper documentation and research works and appealed to the people concerned to offer support and cooperation to the people in ensuring the wetlands return to their former glories.
During the event, the locals brought up the issue of destruction of Pumlen Pat and Khoidum Pat as a result of the construction of Ithai Barrage and expressed desire for the authorities to revive the two wetlands.
Social worker from Komlakhong, Kharibam Koba said that ever since Ithai Barrage was constructed, Pumlen Pat and Khoidum Pat have suffered great damages to their ecosystem and natural environment.
The people settled in and around the wetlands have also been adversely affected.
Their agricultural activities have been affected and the aquatic life in the area has also diminished, he added.
Such errors on part of the authorities concerned have led to a food crisis for the people who are dependent on the wetlands, apart from ruining their major source of livelihood as well.
Speaking about the proposed construction of a Sangai National park at Pumlen Pat, Koba said that it is imperative for the State Government to initiate this particular venture after proper research of the people who are dependent on the wetland as well as proper consultation with the people.
Pumlen Pat Khoidum Lamjao Kanba Apunba Lup members were also present during the event.
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