CM highlights wetland rejuvenation initiatives
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, February 02 2025: Chief minister N Biren said that many rivers, lakes and water bodies in the state are being rejuvenated to protect their ecosystem and the surrounding environment.

The water bodies are also being redeveloped for beautification and promotion of eco-tourism, the CM said at the state level observance of World Wetlands Day 2025 held on Sunday at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur under the UN theme 'Protecting Wetlands for our common future'.

The observance organised by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change was attended by chief minister N Biren as chief guest, forest, environment and climate change minister Th Biswajit as president and Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam as guest of honour.

CM highlights wetland rejuvenation initiatives

In his address, Biren stated that Leishang Hiden had been chosen as the site for the World Wetlands Day observance, considering its historical significance and to chalk up measures to conserve it.

Pledging to always work for protecting the environment, the CM, while referring to the dilapidated condition of Nambul River some years back, stated that the cleaning process of the river started when he was the forest and environment minister in 2004 .

After becoming the chief minister, the rejuvenation and conservation work of Nambul River continued and effluents released from households along the river are brought through pipelines and treated at the water treatment plant at Mongsangei and used for agricultural purposes, he said.

The chief minister informed that the Leishang Hiden eastern part Phase-I project is being implemented at a cost of around Rs 12.81 crore along with announcing that the western side would be developed with spaces for walking, cycling and open gym among others.

He also spoke on the beautification work of road median by planting trees and watering regularly.

Biren also mooted plan to construct a market shed in Langthabal area.

Speaking on the state government's initiatives to rejuvenate water bodies, the CM informed that restoration of Yaralpat had been done while Lamphelpat Waterbody project is being taken up with project cost of around Rs 650 crore.

He raised concern on degradation of the environment and drying up of water sources due to large scale deforestation.

Stressing the need to judiciously use groundwater, the CM informed that more than 500 pumps to extract underground water had been set up under the minor irrigation department.

He informed that beautification of various rivers including Imphal and Kongba would be taken up with an estimated project cost of Rs 86 crore.

He also spoke on the positive changes in Waithou Pat.

Acknowledging criticism for initiating drive against illegal immigrants, he affirmed that such a sensitive matter cannot be compromised as it would create serious demographic imbalance.

Biren also stressed the importance of nature conservation and prevention from impact of environmental degradation, while calling for collective efforts to protect the environment.

Regarding encroachments on wetlands, which he attributed to failure of the previous government, Biren said his government has already issued eviction notices and assured compensation to those in possession of valid documents.

Concluding his speech he sought support of the public to the state government's initiatives to safeguard the indigenous people and other development initiatives as well.

Meanwhile, minister Th Biswajit maintained that various human activities and unethical use of natural resources for personal benefits among individuals are the primary causes for degradation of the environment and climate change.

He stressed the need to carry out a mass awareness programme on the importance of wetlands in preserving the nature and environment, while informing that the number of wetlands in the state has shrunk significantly.

Degradation of wetland is three times faster than that of the forest, he said, and raised concern on loss of spring sources in hill areas, causing water scarcity.

The minister informed that the government is in the process of notifying seven wetlands under the Wetlands (Management and Conservation) Rules 2017 which include Kachouphung/Achau Maki Wetland of Kamjong, Jaimeng Wetland of Kangpokpi, Waithou-Phumnom Pat of Thoubal & Imphal East, Yaral Pat of Imphal East, Utra Pat of Bishnupur, Pumlen-Khoidum Pat of Kakching and Ikop-Kharung Pat of Thoubal and Kakching districts.

During the programme, the chief minister also released 'Wetlands of Manipur' Version-1.0, followed by distribution of prizes to winners of the state level symposium, poster competition organised in relation with the observance, as well as Wetlands Mitras.

PHE minister L Susindro, social welfare minister Heikham Dingo, MLAs Kh Ibomcha, Th Shyamkumar, Sapam Kunjakeswor and Md Abdul Nasir, principal chief conservator of forests Anurag Bajpai, principal secretary Arun Kumar Sinha and other officials of environment department also attended the function.