Only 132 wetlands in state from 500: Minister Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 02 2024: As in other parts the globe, World Wetlands Day was observed on Friday under the auspices of Directorate of Environment and Ecology Wing at NIT East complex, Lamphelpat.

Speaking at the function as chief guest, forest, environment and climate change minister Thongam Biswajit noted that some decades back, Manipur had around 500 water bodies, which according to the Space Based Observation of Indian Wetlands conducted by the Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad in 2021, has shrunk to only 132 only.

Stating that rapid vanishing of wetlands will definitely have negative impact on the environment in the state, minister Biswajit also pointed out that 90 percent of wetlands across the world have vanished, testifying unrestrained damage caused to the environment by recklessness of man.

Informing that the World Wetlands Day is being observed at Lamphelpat considering the importance of the area following sightings of new species of migratory birds in the area and the initiative taken up to develop the area into a water body, Biswajit further said that it is time for all concerned stakeholders to come together and develop and protect wetlands as our own responsibility.

He also pointed out the need to plant a tree on our birthdays.

Mentioning about the state bird of Manipur, he said that photos of Nongin captured in Rachai village in Ukhrul district has cleared the doubt over the existence of the bird in the state.

The captive breeding of Nongin has also been successful, expressed the minister.

He further said that the sighting of Amur Falcon in Tamenglong and Pherzawl is clear indication of the love and affection the villagers of the area have of the wild birds and animals.

The minister also said that a breed of monkey found in Thailand which was saved by villagers in Chandel has been kept safely in the zoo.

The state government has also started conducting research on the new monkey breed found in Chandel.

The forest minister, while stating that Manipur State Wetland Authority has been already been formed to develop wetlands in the state, said that technical committees and sub committees comprising members of different departments have been constituted in this regard.

The technical committees have recommended 23 wetlands for preservation and development in the state on priority basis.

For the start, works on developing four wetlands have been initiated among which include Ngaimong wetland in Kangpokpi, Utra Pat in Bishnupur, Yaralpat and Waithou Phumnom Pat.

Prizes for painting, quiz and photography competitions held as part of the World Wetland Day were distributed during the function.

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