Environment Directorate set to restore six water bodies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 27 2019: Announcing that Yaralpaat has been restored to its pristine self, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Deputy Director Dr T Brajakumar has conveyed that steps will be taken up to restore six water-bodies of the State to their original condition.

Yaralpaat, one of the oldest and historically significant water-bodies of the State had almost vanished but the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, working tirelessly with Yaralpaat Integrated Farming Co-operative Society, has been able to re- create and maintain around 60 hectares of the water-body during the last few years.

Yaralpaat, one of the oldest and historically significant water-bodies of the State

During a trip by media persons to Yaralpaat, they were able to witness migratory birds which came for roosting at the water body as well as attempts by the Yaralpaat Integrated Farming Co-operative Society to create a large fish farm at the area in a bid to generate income.

The media team were able to spot birds like Lesser Whistling Teal (Ting-e), Mallard (Lam-Nganu), Indian Spotted Bill Duck (Nganu-Perel) and White Eyed Pochard (Iruppi-Macha) etc.

It may be pointed out that White Eyed Pochard is a fast disappearing species.

Speaking to the media persons, Dr T Brajakumar explained that due to the changing climatic conditions of the planet, people are now very about concerned with saving water-bodies.

The Directorate is working tirelessly in an attempt to save the water-bodies of Manipur as well.

The Directorate, working with Yaralpaat Integrated Farming Co-operative Society , has been able to save around 60 hectares of the water-body and as a result, Yaralpaat is once again able to provide the same kind of eco-services as in the past.

Yaralpaat will soon become a prime eco-tourism location, he added.

As per a report of the State Remote-Sensing Application Centre, a total of 23 water bodies of the State can be saved in similar manner and as such, the State Wetland Authority is attempting to save 6 water-bodies in the hills and the valley area.

The Government is also planning to initiate conservation efforts of other water bodies in an orderly fashion, the Deputy Director added.

Explaining that conservation of urban wet-lands will help in controlling floods, Dr T Brajakumar continued that saving the water-bodies will also help in climate change adaptation as well as improving micro-climate conditions.

On the other hand, Yaralpaat Integrated Farming Co-operative Society secretary T Janaki said that the area, which was once not cultivable, can now sustain fish farms.

With Yaralpaat slowly returning to its former glory, plans are being discussed about transforming the area into a eco-tourism spot as well, he added.