Importance of preserving wetlands stressed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 02 2026: On World Wetlands Day 2026, Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary Forest, Environment & Climate Change has highlighted the role of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and the Manipur State Wetland Authority in wetland conservation in Manipur.

He was speaking at the State Level Observation of World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage" held today at Yaral Pat, Imphal East.

The main highlights of the function include opening of a photo exhibition by Manipur Amateur Photo Club, prize distribution for first, second and third positions of State Level Symposium on World Wetlands Day, 2026, launching of Wetlands Virtual Museum at Yaral Pat and Top Dusara Village as Climate Resilient Village.

Importance of preserving wetlands stressed

Speaking as the chief guest, Arun Kumar Sinha, highlighted the significance of World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2 commemorating the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971.As a party to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, India has designated 96 Ramsar sites, including Loktak Lake in Manipur.

Referring to this year's theme, he spoke about the deep connection between wetlands and the cultural traditions of local communities in Manipur.

Highlighting the recent initiatives of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and the Manipur State Wetland Authority in wetland conservation, he noted the ground-truthing of 132 wetlands, delineation of 71 wetland boundaries with the help of Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC), preparation of documents/detailed reports for 23 wetlands, and draft notification of Yaral Pat, Uttra Pat, and Waithou Phumnom Pat in Manipur e-gazette.

Integrated Management Plans under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems are being implemented for five wetlands- Yaral Pat, Uttra Pat, Waithou-Phumnom Pat, Jaimeng Wetland and Loktak Lake.

Major achievements at Yaral Pat wetland since 2021 include 3190 metre boundary fencing, tree plantation across 100+ hectares, desilting, spring rejuvenation at Chingkhei Ching, farmer training, livelihood support through upgradation of 10 vermicomposting units, infrastructure development, and bird census activities.

Additionally, three watchtowers have been built around Yaral Pat for proper surveillance, he said.

The chief guest concluded by stressing that traditional knowledge is crucial in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change, and that World Wetlands Day serves as a call to action for collective efforts in wetland conservation and preservation of cultural heritage.

At the event, Dr T Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment & Climate Change said that the Government is making efforts to increase the area covered by wetlands to 2% of the State's total geographical area.

Commissioner Dr Shailesh Kumar Chourasia highlighted the consequences of unchecked development referring to the degradation of wetlands and water bodies in many parts of the world, citing Bengaluru's transformation from a "city of a thousand lakes" to a city facing severe water stress.

Dr Chourasia stressed that community involvement is crucial for effective conservation, as people who are closely connected to wetlands understand their value best.

Drawing parallels with forest conservation, it was noted that ecosystems are best preserved where local communities are involved and reciprocity between humans and nature is maintained.

Other notable dignitaries present include Dr Kh Shamungou Singh, Chairperson, Technical Committee, Manipur State Wetlands Authority and Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary (PHED/IPR/Tourism) .