World Wetlands Day observed at Thanga
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 02 2024:
Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association, Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM), United Voluntary Youth Council and Go Green Group joined hands in observing World Wetlands Day at Thanga Haoreng Chingyang community hall on Friday.
The observance was attended by Manipur Commission on Protection of Child Rights chairperson Pradip Keisham, United Voluntary Youth Council secretary Kangjam Maharathi, CRAM secretary Jiten Yumnam and folk artiste Nganthoi Khumanthem as the presidium members while Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association president and National People's Party state secretary Heisnam Russel was special guest.
In his address, Russel cautioned that considering the present condition of Loktak Lake, which has been crucial in maintaining the ecological balance, the fate of the lake after 10 years remains uncertain.
Expressing concern over rapid degradation of condition of the lake due to various factors, including pollution, he noted that eco-system of the largest freshwater body in the northeast region has undergone drastic changes in the recent past.
The disruption caused to the ecosystem has led to extinction of many plants and vegetables found in the lake.
Unless a person who is well versed about Loktak Lake and its importance is entrusted to oversee improvement of the Lake, it is certain that after 10 years from now Loktak will face irreversible damage.
With the extinction of the Loktak Lake, our very own Sangai will also disappear, he said and stressed the need for consulting with elderlies settling in and around Loktak Lake while taking up projects related to saving the lake.
Speaking at the event, Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association secretary H Chaoba Singh informed that the observance programme is to discuss how people who depend on Loktak Lake for livelihood can help in keeping the lake clean.
As Loktak Lake cannot be protected by government alone, the fishing community should join hands and work together for protection of the lake, he added.
In addition to the disruption caused to the ecosystem of Loktak Lake by Ithai barrage, mass deforestation in hill areas has deteriorated health of the lake, Chaoba maintained.