International Day for Biological Diversity observed at Kakching and Thoubal
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching/Thoubal, May 22 2026: The International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 was observed on Friday at Kakching and Thoubal districts with various awareness programmes highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

At Kakching, the observance was held at Angan Ching EcoPark under the joint initiative of the Department of Zoology, Manipur University, Biodiversity Ecology and Environment Network (BEENET), Alliance for Development Alternative Manipur (ADAM) and Kakching Public School.

The programme, sponsored by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, began with a tree plantation drive followed by a painting competition for students up to Class VII.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, Prof N Rajmuhon; Director of Environment and Climate Change, Dr T Brajakumar; Dean of School of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Prof N Mohilal Meitei; Head of the Department of Zoology, MU, Prof Ksh Birla; Secretary of BEENET Manipur, S Bhubol; Secretary of ADAM, Surjit Kshetrimayum; and Assistant Headmaster of Kakching Public School, Ksh Elabanta attended the event as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr T Brajakumar said that due to global warming and changing environmental conditions, many living species are gradually disappearing from the earth.

He noted that climate change and rising temperatures have severely affected all living beings, including humans.

He pointed out that temperatures in Manipur have already reached around 35 degrees Celsius even before the end of May, adding that the impact of rising temperatures is particularly severe on poor people who depend on daily wage work for their livelihood.

Stressing the need for biodiversity conservation, he said collective efforts are necessary to protect the environment and safeguard the future of coming generations.

Speaking at the programme, S Bhubol said that all living beings on land and in water are interconnected, and warned that deterioration in ecological balance would further damage biodiversity.

He added that the changing weather patterns being witnessed today are the result of this imbalance and urged the younger generation to take responsibility for protecting and conserving nature.

Meanwhile, the International Day for Biological Diversity was also observed at the seminar hall of Waikhom Mani Girls' College under the theme "Acting Locally for Global Impact".

Organised by the college under the sponsorship of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the event featured a college-level symposium competition on the theme "Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future".

Principal of the college, Hangjabam Monoranjan Sharma, attended the programme as chief guest, while President of the WMG College Teachers' Association, Waikhom Sabhapati Devi, presided over the function as functional president.

Environmental Nodal Officer of Manipur Technical University, Kosygin Leishangthem, attended as guest of honour.

At the symposium competition, Dainamanjuri Athokpam of 6th Semester Geology (Honours) secured the first position, while G Yashika of 2nd Semester Home Science and Khelina Maibam of 4th Semester Geology (Honours) won the second and third positions respectively.

The winners were presented prizes by the dignitaries during the programme.

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