Workshop on resilient infrastructure planning held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 23 2023:
Loktak Development Authority (LDA), in conjunction with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Bhopal and Manipur University, spearheaded a One-day Stakeholder Consultation cum Workshop on Resilient Infrastructure Planning for Fragile Socio-Ecblogical Systems of Wetlands.
Sponsored by CDRI, the event was held at the LDA head office in Imphal, on Saturday.
Distinguished personalities present at the event included LDA chairman M Asnikumar; professor Surabhi Mehrotra from NIT Bhopal; professor Yogesh Garg, project mentor from NIT Bhopal; professor Ksh Lalbihari Singha from Manipur University; conservationist K Jugeshwor; environmental activist Salam Rajesh; United Club of Thanga president O Maipakchao, along with Champu Khangpok Floating village representatives Kh Deben, O Rajen, N Thasana Devi, and Kh Kiranbala.
The primary goal of the consultation cum workshop was to formulate resilient infrastructure plans that safeguard wetlands and local communities from the adverse impacts of development.
The framework emphasised a people-centric approach, integrating socio-ecological vulnerability assessments, a spatial zonation model, and a stakeholder-coordinated implementation plan.
Throughout the consultation session, experts and representatives from LDA, local communities, and officials from the forest department engaged jn dynamic discussions.
Topics ranged from resilient infrastructure development aligned with LDA's ecological conservation mission to alternative livelihood opportunities and accessibility for Karang Islands and Champu Khangpok.
Asnikumar expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts and commended CDRI's contributions.
He emphasised the global significance of Loktak, not just as a geographical feature but as a habitat intertwined with human life, carrying cultural, traditional, and socio-economic importance in addition to its ecological significance.
Prof Surabhi Mehrotra underscored the importance of understanding vulnerabilities related to infrastructure development and advocated for a people-centric approach to achieve a harmonious balance between ecology, livelihood, and development.
She also urged exploration of alternative livelihood opportunities.
The meeting concluded with LDA chairman announcing the technical vetting of the Integrated Management Plan, developed with WISA, by IIT Roorkee.
He expressed confidence that the plan would soon be approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
LDA reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and restoration of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands, expressing confidence in fulfilling this mandate under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the supervision of CM N Biren.
Asnikumar said, "Saving Loktak is a priority not only for LDA but also for the state government under CM N Biren.
However, this endeavour requires the collective support and participation of the people.
It is time for our unified efforts to save Loktak" .