Awareness campaign on Ikop and Kharungpat wetlands held
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, January 21 2025: A one-day Environmental Awareness Campaign focusing on the conservation and significance of Ikop and Kharung wetlands was held today at Tentha Multiplex, Thoubal district.

The event, aimed at raising awareness and fostering community participation in wetland conservation was attended by Moirangthem Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Ahanthem Subhas, IAS, DC of Thoubal, Rohit Anand, IAS, DC of Kakching, Ng Sanajaoba Meitei, Project Director of LDA, Dr Leishangthem Jeceelee, MFS, DFO of Thoubal Forest Division and N Suraj Singh, MPS, Addl SP of Thoubal along with community leaders, local club members, meira paibis and residents actively engaged in discussions and activities centred on the preservation of these crucial wetlands.

Speaking at the occasion, M Asnikumar Singh, chairman of LDA highlighted the pressing issues facing the two wetlands.

He stated that Kharung and Ikop over the past years faced a multitude of challenges, from ecological changes to encroachment.

The main contributor being the impact of the Ithai Barrage, which resulted in almost a 50 percent reduction in size of these wetlands.

Kharung and Ikop are interdependent with Loktak Lake, and their rejuvenation is key to restoring the wetland ecosystem of Manipur, added Asnikumar.

"Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, we are committed to rejuvenating Loktak and its associated wetlands, including Kharung and Ikop, and transforming them into iconic wetlands of the region", asserted Asnikumar.

Ahanthem Subhash, DC of Thoubal in his speech, appealed for community-driven efforts stating that wetlands play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

He also appeals to the people to avoid littering and throwing garbage in the rivers flowing to the Ikop and Kharung wetlands.

Dr Leishangthem Jeceelee, DFO of Thoubal Forest Division, urged the community to protect and preserve wetlands and their biodiversity.

She also appeals to the people to not remove earth from wetlands and to protect those migratory birds playing in Kharung and Ikop Pat.

As part of the campaign, a short documentary titled "Ikop Amadi Kharungpat Ki Masaikolda" was screened, providing an insightful look into the historical and ecological significance of the two wetlands and the urgent need for their conservation.

This campaign serves as a call to action for policymakers, local communities, and individuals to come together in preserving Ikop, Kharung, Loktak and other wetlands that are integral to Manipur's ecological and cultural fabric.

Comment