International Biodiversity Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 22 2011:
For the conservation of diminishing wetlands and its water resources, Environment and Ecology Wing has started development of Lamphelpat, Yaralpat and Waithoupat, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) PC Lawmkunga has informed.
Speaking as chief guest of the International Bio-diversity Day observance function held at Kangla here today, Lawmkunga said that development work has been started for the conservation of water resources in 50 hectares of Lamphelpat, 70 hectares of Yaralpat and 100 hectares of Waithoupat.
Touching on the theme of the observance, which was 'Forest diversity', Lawmkunga suggested that even if utilisation of forest and its resources are essential, total destruction should not be resorted to as it would have adverse impact on the environment.
Among the resource persons who spoke at the function, Prof H Nandiram pointed out that while the number of wetlands and other water bodies in the valley area has been decreasing over the years, forested areas in the hills of Manipur have been disappearing fast.
Now, primary forest area is almost non-existent in Manipur.
Prof G Tomba Sharma explained that erosion of the top soil that content high iodine by rain water as a result of indiscriminate clearing forest areas has led to the problem of lack of iodine, which is very essential for human.
Earlier, delivering the key note address, Senior Scientific Officer of Environment and Ecology Wing Dr Homeshwor pointed out that there has been sea change in the climatic condition of Manipur over the last few decades.
To mark the observance, the chief guest also led the dignitaries and the people in planting saplings inside Kangla and releasing fingerlings of Pengba into Thangapat of Kangla.
On the other hand, Manipur State Bio-Diversity Board observed the Day at the Khonghampat Orchidorium.
The function was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) PC Lawmkunga as chief guest and was presided over by Additional PCCF Dr Anil Kumar.
Former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof H Tombi spoke on the topic of biodiversity at the occasion.
The chief guest and the functional president distributed prizes to the winners of the painting competition held in connection with the observance.