Dire fate hangs over Lamphelpat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2019: Experts and many people are beco-ming more concerned that Lamphelpaat which is a his-torically significant wetland of Manipur apart from being a major source of maintaining a healthy ecosystem around Imphal since the old days, is gradually dying in plain sight.

The Sangai Express came across the alarming and deplorable condition of the wetland, which is located near Imphal West District headquarters, and it would not be a mere assumption to say that if the wetland vanishes or dies, it will have a huge impact on the environment and the eco-system of the State.

Dire fate hangs over Lamphelpat

Lamphelpaat is gradually shrinking due to the mushrooming of Government projects, offices, quarters etc and the changing features of the wetland has even forced migratory birds which come here every winter, to roost dangerously close to road sides.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou said that it is indeed fortunate that some species of wild ducks migrate to this wetland during the winter.

As Lamphelpaat is not far from Imphal city, it has the potential to become a tourist hotspot if properly maintained and preserved.

It can also become a location where students and future generations can carry out research and gather knowledge, he remarked.

He explained that if Lamphelpaat dies, it will not only impact the environment but it will also lead to the loss of all the historic and cultural significance played by the wetland since the ancient days for the State.

Stressing on the need for the State Government to take up conservation efforts to save the wetland at the earliest, the environmentalist said that saving Lamphelpat will help maintain a positive ec-osystem and environment around Imphal City at a time when the planet is experiencing rapid climate change.

On the other hand, Manipur University Life Science Professor W Viswanath said that shrinking of the wetland, and not shallowing, is the real problem and explained about the critical need to prevent the wetland from disappearing.

It may be mentioned that despite the State Government's plan to maintain a large portion of the wetland, no concrete actions have been taken up till date.

Lamphelpaat is also one among the 23 water bodies planned for conservation by the State Wetland Authority.