Manipur too joins in observing World Wetlands Day
Biswajit hails return of migratory birds at Lamphelpat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 02 2024: As in other parts of the world, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change observed the State level World Wetlands Day at the NIT campus at Lamphelpat, today.As part of the observance which was held under the theme "Wetlands and Human Well-being", Forest and Environment and Climate Change Minister Thongam Biswajit opened a photo and painting exhibition on "Wetlands of Manipur," as the chief guest.

On the occasion, Biswajit said that the arrival of migratory birds at Lamphelpat after a gap of over 100 years is a matter of excitement.

Saying that anthropogenic activities have accelerated the impact of climate change on all life forms, the Minister appealed to one and all to lend their hands in preserving nature.

Manipur too joins in observing World Wetlands Day

There is a report which states that Manipur used to have about 500 wetlands in the past, he said while expressing concern over the disappearance of several wetlands.

Saying that Manipur has only 132 wetlands now, Biswajit called on all the Manipuri people to revitalise the wetlands.

Reiterating that climate change affects all life forms, Biswajit said that the world has taken up different campaigns to save the environment by engaging in afforestation drives and other green initiatives.

The Minister further said that the captive breeding of the State bird Nongin underway at Manipur Zoological Garden has become successful.

Saying that a rare breed of monkey found in Thailand was rescued from Chandel yesterday, he said that the monkey has been kept at Iroisemba Zoo but its breed cannot be identified as of yet.

The Government has taken up different programmes to save the wetlands and make Nambul River healthy, he said and added that a DPR has also been sent to the Centre for implementing a project to revitalise Kongba and Imphal Rivers.

Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai who was the functional president said that humans cannot survive on their own and as such "we must safeguard the environment" .

He also said that the Government under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been putting in maximum efforts to revive the wetlands which have disappeared.

Awangbow then appealed to all Manipuris to work together to restore normalcy in Manipur and take the State to greater heights.

Delivering the keynote address, Environment and Climate Change Director Dr T Brajakumar highlighted how all aspects of human wellbeing are linked to the health of the wetlands and how interconnected wetlands and human life have been throughout history.

Dr Brajakumar said that the world has lost 35 per cent of wetlands since the 1970s and they are vanishing at a rate three times faster than forests, Dr Brajakumar .

"Out of 2400 Ramsar sites around the world, 75 are in India as of January 2023, of which Loktak Lake is one," he added.

Dr Brajakumar further said that 23 wetlands have been recommended by the Government for sustainable management and they are Loktak Lake in Bishnupur/ Imphal West, Utra Pat in Bishnupur, Ushoipokpi Pat in Thoubal, Aongbikhong Pat in Thoubal, Kharam Pat in Thoubal, Ikop Pat/Kharung Pat in Thoubal, Khoidum/Pumlen Pat in Thoubal, Ithai Lake in Thoubal, Heingang Lake in Imphal East, Sana Pat in Bishnupur, Lausi Pat in Thoubal, Waithou/Punem Pat in Imphal East/Thoubal, Lamphel Pat in Imphal West, Yaral Pat in Imphal East, Ningthikhong Pat in Thoubal, Lamphelpat in Imphal West, Takyen Pat in Imphal West, Loukoi Pat in Bishnupur, Zeilad Lake in Tamenglong, Khayang Kachopung in Ukhrul, Jaimeng Lake in Senapati, Khamlangpat in Imphal East and Poiroupat in Imphal East.