Meet dissects climate change impacts in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 07 2024: Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), Manipur and Go Green Manipur organised a consultation on 'climate change in Manipur & COP 29 of UNFCC' at the Books and Coffee, Yumnam Leikai on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by CRA, the consultation programme was organised in the context of increased manifestation of climate change and its impacts on the indigenous people of the state.

During the consultation, CRA secretary Jiten Yumnam observed that Manipur has experienced severe climate change impacts with temperature soaring to unprecedented 42.16 degree Celsius in Noney on September 20 this year.

Climate-induced vector borne diseases, such as Dengue cases have been recorded even during winter months of October and November.

In 2024, Manipur has recorded over 2,078 dengue cases as of November 5, with several fatalities, he pointed out, while also expressing concern over renewed push for 2D and 3D oil exploration survey and geo-mapping by Geological Survey of India for mining in the state.

The secretary also cautioned that oil exploration and mining would destroy forest and water sources and aggravate climate change crisis.

Joining the discourse, Irabot Foundation, Mani pur president Gopen Khunjamayum reflected on the alarming impact of climate change on agriculture, due to frequent instances of drought, flooding, pest infestation, etc., affecting food production, and unleashing economic hardships on indigenous farmers.

The participants resolved to apprise the governments of India and Manipur to recognise the urgency of combating climate crisis, risk and vulnerability in Manipur and supported the call of villages around Zeilad areas in Tamenglong district to review the creation of Zeilad Wildlife sanctuary.

They further called for the government to stop pursuing 2D & 3D survey plan for oil exploration in Manipur, rescind efforts for geo-mapping and mining of minerals in Manipur, stop classifying mega dams as renewable and climate solutions and withdraw promotion of oil palm plantation in Manipur given the potential adverse impacts on people, environment and climate worldwide.

The statement further demanded .repeal of policies namely Forest Conservation Amendment Bill, 2023, Manipur Palm Oil (Regulation of Production and Processing) Act, 2021, North East hydrocarbon vision 2030, EIA Notification, 2020, etc., that pave the way for corporations to target peoples, land and resources.

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