World Wetlands Day observed across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 02 2023: Directorate of Environment and Climate Change joint director Tourangbam Brajakumar has informed that the state government is currently in the process of framing a policy for treatment of sewage water in the state.

He disclosed this during the state-level observance of World Wetlands Day, jointly organised by the Directorate, The Yaralpat Integrated Farming Co-operative Society Limited and Green Gold Park & Resort, Yaralpat at Yaralpat on Thursday.

Observed under the theme of 'Restoration of Wetlands' and sub-theme of Roles and Responsibility of Community', as set by the UN, the observance function was attended by Manipur State Wetlands Authority Technical Committee chairperson Kh Samungou, Committee members Prof Deva and Prof Binoy, environmentalist Salam Rajesh, Yaralpat Co-operative Society's Y Binodkumar and Green Gold chairperson Seityajit as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Brajakumar pointed out that as measures against climate change, the world under the UN has been observing 'World Environment Day', World Biodiversity Day', 'World Wetlands Day' and others annually on varied themes.

In 1971, the Ramsar Convention recommended observance of World Wetlands Day' on February 2 every year.

For this year, the UN set the theme as 'Restoration of Wetlands' with the objective of restoring the wetlands which existed since over 4.5 billion years ago, he informed, while adding that the theme for next year is Wetland and Human well-being'.

The joint director continued that as per our forefathers, Manipur had around 700 wetlands.

A report published by the Surveyor of India in 1970 found the number of wetlands to be 550.In 2018, the State Wetlands Authority was established.

The Digital Survey Report of Manipur State Remote Sensing Centre finalised the total number of wetlands to 113 after conducting many assessments.

Of these, 23 wetlands were selected after detailed consultation with experts to prepare a brief document for an action plan.

Among these, 7 wetlands including Yaralpat were recommended to the government.

Subsequently, a pilot project was taken up in Yaralpat, which is also participated by different stakeholders.

Acknowledging that none of the projects can be successful without support from the community, Brajakumar said that the focus is on providing alternative livelihoods to the people living in and around the wetlands.

In addition, a plan is underway to take up organic farming in the surrounding agricultural land, he conveyed, while informing that efforts are being made to set up a Wetland Institution at Green Gold Park & Resort, Yaralpat within this year.

He further informed that approval has been received for taking up steps to save Waithou Pat in Thoubal district as part of a national project.

Similar efforts are being made to continue the conservation works of Zaimeng Lake in Kangpokpi district.

He then stressed the need for adhering to the points given in the Global Wetland Outlook-2021 published by the UN such as preventing direct usage of water from the wetlands for agricultural purposes, preventing draining of agricultural residues into the wetlands and proper drainage system of the surrounding areas.

Mentioning about the global trend of building artificial/ constructed wetland, Brajakumar informed that a proposal has been submitted to the state government for setting up 6/7 constructed wetlands in areas near Imphal river.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to formulate a policy titled 'Re-use of Treatment water' for treatment of sewage water, for which a committee chaired by the agriculture commissioner has been formed, he conveyed.

In his speech, Green Gold chairperson Seityajit emphasised on sincerity in saving Yaralpat and also stressed the need for identifying the type of wetland Yaralpat is and the reasons for its deterioration.

The restoration programme will be successful only after this assessment, he said, while further hinting at the need for an economic feasibility report and restoration methodology.

Later, a discussion programme was held wherein it was agreed to hold a joint technical meeting of State Wetland Authority Committee members, experts and local stakeholders.

It was further agreed upon to' deliver the opinion of the stakeholders to policy makers, making collective efforts for preservation of wetlands and for the department to make the effort to prevent pressure from the community.

On the other hand, the Department of Environmental Science, TS Paul Manipur Women's College (TSPM-WC), Mongsangei observed the 'World Wetlands Day' at the auditorium of the College on Thursday.

Observed under the theme "It's Time for Wetlands Restoration", the programme was attended by TSPMWC GB chairman Elangbam Dolendra Singh as chief guest; TSPMWC principal Thiyam Nandita Devi as president and TSPMWC GB secretary Oinam Priyokumar as guest of honour.

In his speech, Dolendra remarked that many wetlands in Manipur have been lost such as the Lamphelpat and Keishampat over the years, which, in turn, is giving massive impact on the environment and ecosystem of the state.

Thus, there is the need to protect the wetlands, including formulation of a long term policy for preservation of wetlands, he said, while urging all to understand the significance of observing World Wetlands Day.

Later, State Level Nodal Agency for Watershed Management, Planning Department, additional CEO Dr Rk Sunita Devi spoke on the theme of the observance.

Meanwhile, around 57 bird traps were recovered from Ikop pat by a combined team of volunteers of Unique Wildlife Protection Committee, Manipur, staff of Range Forest Office Kakching, Waikhong and Pallel Beat Office, and Hiyanglam PS on Thursday.

According to a press release of Committee's secretary Irengbam Sanaton Meitei, the combined team carried out an anti-poaching drive in the southern area of Ikop pat on Thursday morning, wherein 57 nylon nets were recovered.

Around 19 different birds, which were caught in the traps, were also found dead.

In this regard, Committee president S Premkumar said that the poaching of migratory birds has greatly affected the wetland ecosystem of the state.

As such, time has come for the department concerned to take strict action against those committing wildlife crimes.

Thus, he urged all not to poach birds in the area and instead, try to find alternative sources of livelihood.

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