Manipur Bandh Against Climate Change

Seram Neken *

Illegal Burning of Forest near Khudengthabi:: Pix - Dr Oinam Sunanda Devi

The IFC department may initiate cleansing of river beds of major rivers of Manipur at specific points before the flood comes.

When a friend of mine went door to door to beg a few plantlets, no forest office in Imphal area dared to spare even one sapling. A social worker by profession, my friend was angered to hear that there were no saplings for plantation at the forest office. The staff at a particular forest office informed him that there were some carefully nurtured plantlets reserved for use in tree plantation programmes for VIPs.

My friend was actually planning to organize a tree plantation programme in his locality with involvement of local youths. He could not get the saplings as he was not a VIP then. Desperately, he learnt that forest department was not encouraging plantation efforts by the local people. Will Nature be back with just a few saplings planted by VIPs during a few occasions?

Now climate change hits Manipur. While water scarcity is haunting the people of the state, flash floods may occur any day in Manipur. The wrath of nature has been imminent on the irresponsible human behaviour. Water paucity is a big lesson to both the people and the government in the state. On the one side, Public leaders and Government officials often talk of a green Manipur for maintaining ecological balance.

On the other, inhabitants in hills unconsciously and anxiously burn down hill ranges either for cultivation or just to chase an animal. Meanwhile, nature cannot be saved with first-aid treatments. Only a long term policy will save Manipur from impending dangers in the near future. Unfortunately, Manipur is yet to devise a practical policy to counter climate change. The state government has not taken the issue seriously.

It seems that all government departments remain napping the whole year unless it is provoked by any human problem concerning them. As for instance, the presence of PHED Minister is felt by people when rains fail to shower on time. Unless floods occur, river beds and river banks remain unchecked.

Only during times of economic blockade does the government talk of improving national highways. AIDS seems highly alarming only around first December every year. Mosquitoes are not chased in the absence of epidemics like Malaria, Encephalitis or Dengue outbreak. Importance of road safety is felt only during observances of Road Safety weeks. Face Masks are worn only when there are news of SARS and swine flu. Each and every human welfare programme is temporary and not enduring in Manipur.

Meanwhile, Manipur is also a different land where some people rejoice at the cost of general public. School going kids always love to hear the news "Tomorrow is Manipur Bandh" for they often want unscheduled holidays. In the same manner, any businessman is happy with economic blockades, as he anticipates more profits from retailing essential commodities.

Petrol dealers wait for the petrol-scarcity days to boost their income. Water retailers are cheerful when monsoon postpones its regular shower. Police feel rejoice in frequent crimes and road accidents, as they are a big avenue for extra-bucks. Advocates run after scuffles among neighbors and among employees.

Relief and rehabilitation officials of the government want the cyclones and floods to happen regularly. As the name itself reflects, the IFCD Minister is the in-charge of Flood Control, not the one to Prevent Floods. PHED minister is always looking up the sky, counting the days when clouds would turn rains. Agriculture department is patiently waiting for the crops failure, as it will add to their incomes.

Interestingly, Manipur is a place where tax collectors are not tax payers. They teach people that taxes should not be paid regularly. Legendary poet Dr. Kamal's "Huranbana Huranbabu Pharadi Kanana Bichar Toubigani" is highly relevant in the state. Most of the so-called Number-2 vehicles in Manipur are owned by responsible VIPs in Manipur.

Who are encouraging illegal possessions of stolen vehicles? When the invigilators in examination hall supply notes to candidates, who dare to prevent unfair means? It's Manipur where personnel of Excise Department indulge in sale of local brews.

Its Manipur security persons involve themselves in stealing, lootings, extortion and terrorism. It's Manipur, where you kill innocents to get rewards. It's here that people with overnight wealth are respected as capable leaders.

We must be proud to have charismatic public leaders who take keen interests in fashion shows, beauty contests, musical concerts and Thabal Chongba rather than in debates and discussions during Assembly Sessions. Obviously, no legislator in Manipur has so far initiated serious deliberation on climate change in Manipur.

When the officials and employees of Forest department erect hugely decorated structures with valuable timber inside, everyone thinks that its natural as forest department is related to timber. When tree plantation occurs widely on papers and office files, how can we dream of a green Manipur ?

The people of Manipur has now the option to call a Manipur Bandh to protest against water scarcity, climate change, deforestation, flash floods, crops failure etc. etc. Such a Bandh will get wholehearted support of the people, as such issues concern all and sundry.