Call to action to save State's wetlands
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 23, 2025 -
THE pressing concerns regarding the critical challenges faced by the traditional Ikop and Kharung wetlands which were highlighted during a recent one-day environmental awareness campaign organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in Thoubal district should serve as a clarion call for the people to unite in concerted efforts to protect the state's invaluable wetland ecology.
As highlighted during the campaign, the continued neglect of these wetlands, amidst ecological degradation, encroachment, and the impacts of the Ithai Barrage, has led to a significant reduction in their size.
To salvage these natural heritages, LDA chairman Moirangthem Asnikumar has called for their rejuvenation, recognising that "Kharung and I kop are vital components of the Loktak Lake ecosystem and their restoration is essential for reviving the wetland ecology of Manipur".
Asnikumar stated that under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's leadership, there is a commitment to transform the wetlands into iconic regional landmarks, while also recognising the community's crucial role in these efforts.
Thoubal Deputy Commissioner Ahanthem Subhash echoed this sentiment, stressing that community-driven conservation initiatives are crucial for the sustainability of these wetlands.
Another dimension to this is the fact that the health of these ecosystems is closely linked to the survival of numerous species, both flora and fauna, with Thoubal Divisional Forest Officer Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee noting the importance of protecting the rich biodiversity, including migratory birds that visit during winter.
Despite these challenges, Kharung and Ikop wetlands continue to play a crucial role in supporting the state's biodiversity, as is evident in the continued sustenance of livelihoods of many locals who depend on fishing and agriculture, apart from mitigating climate change as natural reservoirs and carbon sinks.
This points to the fact that the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these wetlands cannot be overstated.
As a matter of fact, wetlands are often referred to as "biological supermarkets" due to the diverse food sources they provide, attracting various bird and animal species.
However, humans rely on wetlands even more for their survival, as they offer vital ecosystem services such as clean water, flood control, and carbon sequestration.
Ironically, it is humans again who carry out mindless activities that have led to the degradation of these ecosystems, with land development increasing erosion and sedimentation, thereby altering the wetlands' chemical and hydrologic conditions.
Humans also conduct various other harmful practices, such as stream channelisation, dam construction, and the discharge of commercial/industrial waste, which further disrupt natural flooding patterns and nutrient flows, causing long-term damage.
This is the premise on which the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands came to be adopted way back in 1971 as an intergovernmental treaty aimed at conserving wetlands and their resources.
Given the precarious state of wetlands in Manipur, the ongoing efforts by the LDA represent a vital step towards restoring and ensuring their conservation and long-term sustainability.
It is imperative for policymakers and local communities to take cognizance of the severity of the growing environmental crisis and collaborate in this shared mission, as the success of such initiatives depends not just on awareness but collective, sustained, and purposeful action.
The time to act is now for preserving our precious wetlands is not just an environmental issue but a legacy the present generation owes to posterity.
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