National workshop on Wetlands LDA Chairman seeks support for protection of Loktak Lake
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, May 21 2022: Chairman, Loktak Development Authority (LDA), M Asnikumar Singh took part in 'SABHAGITA' (Participatory) National Workshop for Conservation and Wise use of Wetlands at Anna University campus (a 220 years old university, one of the oldest universities of the country) today.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India funded by Global Environment Fund (a global body for conservation of Environment throughout the globe) .

The workshop was graced by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State, Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EF & CC), Leena Nandan, Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Professor Dr R Velraj, Vice Chancellor, Anna University as the presidium members.

National workshop on Wetlands LDA Chairman seeks support for protection of Loktak Lake

Experts and resource persons in the field of wetland conservation exchanged ideas and valuable suggestions during the workshop.

In the context of the State's Loktak lake and its associate wetlands, M Asnikumar Singh highlighted the present condition, remedial measures, integrated action plan, wise use policy, short- and long-term visions for the State's wetlands, etc.

taken up by the State Government under the guidance of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

He also sought the help and contributions from the MoEF & CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change), renowned conservationists, scientists and corporate houses in the conservation mission of the Loktak lake which is a national treasure.

Wetland experts who took part in the workshop stressed on the role and importance of community participation in the conservation journey.

M Asnikumar Singh further informed that "At the conclusion of the workshop, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav spoke on the significance of wetlands; their cultural value, core value of traditional practices etc.

He stressed on their significance; highlighting how wetlands are the kidneys and forests are the heart of our environment and the vital role of local Communities/dwellers of the wetlands in conservation measures, keeping in mind the alarming changes taking place in the global environment" .

The chairman of LDA also had the opportunity of presenting the Union Minister with a book on the Loktak lake titled, "Loktak, the Distorted Mirror" .

Different stakeholders related to the conservation of wetlands, senior Government officials, scientists, representatives from renowned corporate houses (FICCI, TATA, Godrej, Adani, etc.), Wetland Mitras, etc.

also took part in today's workshop.