Over 100 people register to protect wetlands
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 30 2026: More than 100 individuals have registered as "Wetland Mitras" in Manipur.

The higher this number grows, the greater the chances of protecting wetlands, said Tourangbam Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment and Climate Change.

A Wetland Mitra is a volunteer who helps to protect and conserve wetlands.

They are trained to identify and report threats to wetlands and they work to educate the public about the importance of wetlands.

T Brajakumar made the statement at the State-level symposium for colleges held today at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Porompat, Imphal East on the theme of World Wetlands Day 2026 "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge -Celebrating Cultural Heritage" .

The symposium was moderated by Dr Koijam KK Mani Bhushan Singh, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences Dhanamanjuri University (DMU); while Dr Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Manipur University, Dr W Roshan Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board, and senior journalist Irengbam Arun served as jury members.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourangbam Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment and Climate Change, stressed that preserving wetlands is essential for protecting nature.

He said wetlands provide vital ecosystem services and act as the "natural kidneys" of the environment by regulating the water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods through fisheries, agriculture, medicinal plants, and phumdi-based practices.

According to a report by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC), there were approximately 550 wetlands in the State at one point in the past.

Upon conducting physical verification, a majority of them were found to have disappeared, said T Brajakumar.

Currently, Manipur has 134 wetlands in all 16 districts, of which 27 have been proposed for conservation.

Utra Pat, Yaral Pat, and Waithou-Phumnou Pat have already been notified and placed in the public domain, while Jaimeng Wetland (Kangpokpi), Kachouphung/Achau Maki Wetland (Kamjong), Pumlen-Khoidum Pat (Kakching), Ikop-Kharung Pat (Thoubal), and Kakching Wetland are under consideration.

The Director also highlighted major threats to wetlands, including encroachment, land reclamation, unplanned urbanization, tourism-related constructions, and inadequate drainage systems.

He further announced that World Wetlands Day will be observed on February 2 at Yaral Pat, Imphal East.

Students from various colleges, including TS Paul Women's College, Manipur Institute of Technology, Kakching Khunou College, DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, Kha Manipur College, Moirang College, Modern College, Standard College, and DM College of Arts, participated in the event.

Participants highlighted the cultural and environmental importance of wetlands and emphasized the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for sustainable conservation.

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