Meet dissects climate change impacts, calls for united efforts
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 28 2025: The three-day National Conference on Implications of Climate Change & Conservation of Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage concluded at Manipur University (MU) on Thursday.

Organised by the Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University - in collaboration with the International Council for Bio-deterioration of Cultural Property (ICBCP), Lucknow, and supported by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change-the event was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Bringing together leading environmentalists, academicians, policymakers, and students from across the country, the conference aimed af addressing climate resilience, conservation strategies, and sustainable policies.

Meet dissects climate change impacts, calls for united efforts

Among the key dignitaries present were MU vice-chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh, Organising Committee secretary Prof Ksh Lalbihari Singh, Environment & Climate Change director Dr T Brajakumar Singh, and LDA chairman M Asnikumar Singh.

Speaking at the event, Prof N Lokendra highlighted the alarming effects of climate change, particularly on Loktak Lake.

"The challenges of climate change are real, and we are facing them right now.

Manipur is witnessing these impacts firsthand, particularly in Loktak Lake, which is suffering from pollution, human interference, and shrinking due to siltation," he explained.

While noting that these challenges not only affect the environment but also disrupt the close-knit relationship between communities and nature, impacting both livelihoods and cultural heritage, he stressed that discussions at the conference would assist the government in formulating strategies to address these pressing issues.

The conference underscored key takeaways, including community-led conservation initiatives, scientific research for climate adaptation, and the need for stronger policies balancing development with environmental sustainability.

Asnikumar stressed the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change and protect the state's fragile ecosystems, stating: "Climate change is no longer a distant threat - it is here, impacting our landscapes, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

Loktak Lake, the lifeline of Manipur, is under severe stress due to pollution and siltation".

He observed that as a Ramsar site and Northeast India's largest freshwater lake, conservation of Loktak Lake is crucial for both environmental sustainability and the well-being of thousands who depend on it.

He also stated that insights from the conference would help shape effective policies and conservation strategies.

While reaffirming LDA's commitment to restoring Loktak Lake, Asnikumar advocated for solid collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities.

"We must work together to safeguard Loktak Lake and Manipur's rich natural and cultural heritage for future generations," he urged.

Meanwhile, Asnikumar called on scholars and educators to play a crucial role in fostering peace and resolving conflicts through research, policy recommendations, and community engagement.

Encouraging fact-based discourse and countering misinformation, he emphasised that by promoting such practices, academia could help address socio-economic disparities and governance challenges, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive Manipur.

The conference concluded with a strong commitment to enhanced research, policy-driven solutions, and active collaboration in combating climate change while ensuring the conservation of Manipur's invaluable natural resources.