5th State level aquarium exhibition cum flower show begins
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 19 2018: Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh inaugurated the 5th State Level Aquarium Exhibition Cum Flower Show at Manipur Science Aquarium, DM College campus, today.

The five days Exhibition Cum Flower Show will end on March 24.Speaking at the inaugural function, the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also in charge of Science & Technology, said that the initiative taken up by Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC) to showcase rearing of indigenous as well as exotic species of fishes is a very good step towards popularisation of conserving rare and near extinct indigenous species in the State.

5th State level aquarium exhibition cum flower show begins

He said that nowadays many indigenous species of both flora and fauna, are not found in abundance due to many activities which destroy their habitations.

Development of habitats would be the primary concern when it comes to conserving such species in the State.

Therefore, rearing fishes in ponds, streams and especially in running water should be encouraged to face the challenges of extinction, he added.

On floriculture, Joykumar Singh said, it is an important hobby which help in keeping the mind free from stress and also provides pleasure as well.

Although, people may not be able to take up floriculture on a large scale, they should at least try to develop gardening at their homes.

It will give the people, the pleasure of refreshing their minds.

He also lauded the efforts made by local entrepreneurs to develop floriculture in the State.

Secretary (Science & Technology) Nidhi Kesarwani said, attention has to be given to conserve indigenous flora and fauna and also to preserve rich biodiversity in the State.

She said that biodiversity conservation should be the primary concern so that rare species can be conserved.

She also appealed to the authorities concerned to create a database of the rare indigenous species (both flora and fauna) so that people can access the necessary information through the related websites.

She expressed confidence that such exhibition cum flower show would help the people to become more aware of the needs of nature.

Director of MASTEC, Th Surendranath said that the main objectives of the Centre are to study the behaviour of different fish species, to conserve the fish fauna of the State, to spread awareness about the available local fishes to the public and to create a place of recreation for the public.

The exhibition cum show will open for public every day from 11 am to 7 pm till March 24.As many as 25 local and many exotic fish species have been reared in Manipur Science Aquarium.