'Impacts of anthropogenic activities alarming'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2018:
In line with the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity, 2018, that is "Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity", Department of Environment, in collaboration with Discover Manipur and Poirei Ee Thiba Lup (PEEL) organised a three-day long campaign on conservation of biological diversity cum tree plantation programme atop Koubru Hill from May 20 to 22.The concluding function of the campaign was graced by Choudhurimayum Joykumar Sharma, president, Discover Manipur; M Nabakanta, vice-president, PEEL and RK Matik Mangal, convenor, organising committee, PEEL as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function, Joykumar pointed out that the impacts of anthropogenic activities all over the world is at an alarming stage and the same can also be felt in the State in various ways.
He regretted that majority of the people continue to ignore environmental issues despite witnessing signs of environmental degradation in the State and its consequent results.
Observing that it is high time for all to come up with certain activities to preserve and maintain biodiversity, Joykumar said that it is also essential for all to initiate activities to face the ever increasing level of environmental degradation instead of waiting for someone to initiate the same.
He lauded the participants of the campaign, saying that they braved all the difficulties in climbing up to the peak of Koubru Hill to plant trees.
Th Bhogen, Deputy Director of Department of Environment who led the programme management claimed that organising such environmental programmes on the peak of a high hill is the first of its kind in the State.
He conveyed that the objective of the programme was to work in conformity with the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity in an interesting and adventurous way in addition to the conservation of Koubru Hill, one of the sacred places of Meitei community.
He elaborated that the United Nations has been asking all the countries, NGOs and all concerned to retrospect the actions for biodiversity during the last 25 years and celebrate it in a grand manner.
Considering the value of the theme, the Department of Environment selected Koubru is a place where special attention can be given for preservation and conservation of biodiversity, he added.
Planting varieties of tree saplings atop Koubru Hill and holding an awareness programme were the main highlights of the three-day long campaign.