Community unites to save Ikop, Kharung wetlands
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 21 2025: A one-day environmental awareness campaign aimed at conserving the historic Ikop and Kharung wetlands was held at Tentha Multiplex in Thoubal district on Tuesday.

Organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to foster community involvement in preserving these vital ecosystems, the event witnessed active participation from government officials, local leaders, and residents.

The campaign focused on the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of Ikop and Kharung wetlands - closely linked to the Loktak Lake ecosystem - which play an essential role in supporting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods through fishing and agriculture, and mitigating climate change as natural reservoirs and carbon sinks.

Community unites to save Ikop, Kharung wetlands

However, they have faced significant challenges over the years, including ecological degradation, encroachment, and the impact of the Ithai Barrage, which has led to a substantial reduction in their size.

LDA chairman Moirangthem Asnikumar emphasised the importance of rejuvenating these wetlands.

"Kha-rung and Ikop are integral to the Loktak Lake ecosystem and their restoration is crucial to reviving the wetland ecosystem of Manipur.

Under the leadership of chief minister N Biren, we are committed to transforming them into iconic wetlands of the region," he said.

Asnikumar also acknowledged the community's pivotal role in these efforts, expressing gratitude to leaders, women's groups, and residents of villages like Lamding, Cherapur, Nungphou, Sangaiyumpham, Mairenkhun, and Tentha for their enthusiastic participation.

Thoubal DC Ahanthem Subhash pointed out the need for community-driven conservation initiatives.

Highlighting the role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance, he urged participants to stop dumping waste into rivers that flow into the wetlands and demonstrate the shared responsibility of preserving these ecosystems for future generations.

Divisional forest officer of Thoubal forest division Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee drew attention to the biodiversity in the wetlands, particularly the migratory birds that visit during winter.

"These birds are our precious guests, adding beauty and ecological significance to Kharung and Ikop Pat.

Protecting them is our duty," she said.

Dr Jeeceelee also emphasised the need to curb activities like earth removal that harm the wetlands and highlighted the role of the Wildlife Protection Act in safeguarding their unique biodiversity.

The campaign featured the screening of a short documentary titled 'Ikop Amadi Kharungpat Ki Masaikolda', which shed light on the historical and ecological importance of the wetlands and the urgent need for their conservation.

Participants engaged in discussions and activities that stressed sustainable practices, including reducing pollution and adopting eco-friendly resource use.

The event also called on policymakers and local communities to collaborate in preserving Ikop, Kharung, and other wetlands that are integral to the state's ecological and cultural fabric.

The awareness campaign reinforced the collective commitment to safeguarding the state's wetlands, serving as a vital step toward their restoration and long-term sustainability.