Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 09 2010:
The fourth National seminar on 'Human development and environment & common property' was underway at the Senate hall of Manipur University here.
Organised under the joint aegis of Manipur Economic Association and Department of Economics, Manipur University, Vice Chancellor of the University Prof C Amuba inaugurated the seminar as chief guest along with releasing a souvenir.
Dean of School of Social Sciences of the University Prof Amar Yumnam presided over the function which was also attended by Member Secretary of Manipur Pollution Control Board K Jagadishwar Singh, IFS; Director of Planning Department, Govt of Manipur K Mangi Singh and Addl Director of University and Higher Education, Govt of Manipur Dr RK Yaiskul Singh as guests of honour.
Giving the key note address, Prof M Iboton Singh observed that the theme of the seminar is timely and relevant and it is of vital importance in the current efforts of the State to bring about a sustained development.
Stating that Manipur remains backward inspite of attaining a significant level of development, he pointed out that a number of developmental projects, specially those meant for laying the infrastructural foundation of the State's economy, need to be implemented more vigorously.
He, however, said that such projects should be carefully planned and implemented in an environment friendly manner.
Short-sighted environmentalists oppose such projects which call for a proper understanding of all the issues on a rational basis.
Citing the example of the Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Project, he said that if sub-plans under the major project are implemented well ahead of the time, then the resulting damage could be partially compensated by the creation of a new environment on an alternative site.
The new environment can sustain several flora and fauna of different kinds.
Emphasising on rational governance and scientific management of forest resources for solving environmental and ecological problems such as drought, flood, soil erosion, etc, he maintained that development of forests will help in meeting the demand for industrial raw materials as well as daily requirements of the common people.
Pointing out that participation of the local people living in and around the forest in the administration of the forest is required as the administrative capacity of the Forest Department is not enough to manage all the forest areas effectively, he proposed that a reform be made in the existing Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960 by providing scope for State, community and individual ownership of forest land.
In his address, Prof Amuba said that the benefits of the developmental projects like that of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project need to be considered before being opposed by studying the damages only.
Loktak would have dried up naturally before had not the State taken up measures to arrest the natural drying up process of the lake when the project was started.
Dr E Bijoykumar announced that the Economic Department of the University would be introducing Environmental Economics as a course at both the UG and UP level and said that the University will be one of the first institutions to introduce this course at the PG-level.