Biren bemoans large deforestation at Mt Koubru
CM flags off 'Know your sanctuaries and wetlands' campaign
Source: The Sangai Express / D1PR

Imphal, January 31 2021: Chief Minister N Biren Singh flagged off a month long "Know your sanctuaries and wetlands" media campaign at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

The campaign was organized by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) under the sponsorship of Dept of Forest and Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

The campaign started with 22 journalists including four women and two members of Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association heading for Bunning, Zeliad Wildlife Sanctuary, Jiri Makru, Tamenglong district for a 4-day trip.

The team will also observe World Wetland Day on February 2 at Zeilad Lake.

Addressing the media persons during the flag off programme, N Biren said that organizing such media campaigns is very important as media can play a crucial role in providing awareness to the public about the importance of preserving the wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands.

CM flags off 'Know your sanctuaries and wetlands' campaign :: Pix - DIPR

Expressing sadness on the deteriorating conditions of the State's reserve forest, National parks, sanctuaries and wetlands, he stressed on the need of selfless joint efforts on the part of all stakeholders to protect the human race from the harmful effects of climate change.

He said that the Department and authorities concerned have failed to protect and conserve 13 prominent wetlands of the State.

With rampant and uncontrolled encroachment, these wetlands are existing only in name.

On wildlife sanctuaries, he said he was sad to see the condition of Keibul Lamjao National Park when he visited it in 2004 when he was Forest Minister.

He then took the decision to conserve Sangais by rearing some at the second home of Sangai at Langol.

He also said that the effort to clean Nambul river started in 2004 with a larger objective to save Loktak Lake.

The present Government has been working to save Lamphelpat since the last two years.

The Government is prepared to conserve and develop 473 acres of the Lamphelpat area.

The World Bank through Niti Ayog is funding about Rs 600 crore for the project.

Further, steps are being taken up to conserve Loktak Lake at a cost of about Rs 1340 crore with the support of Niti Ayog, he said.

Even though major conservation works are in the pipeline, the efforts to conserve the wetlands and the sanctuaries will go in vain if the Government Departments and their employees are insincere.

The Chief Minister further claimed that officials concerned providing land patta in wetland and forest areas and their insincerity and short visions are some of the factors that are worsening the condition of the State's environment.

Mentioning about large scale deforestation at Mount Koubru, he also urged the Forest officials to carry out a spot visit and take up necessary steps to enforce strict rules to save the forest areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai said that the media campaign was not just important for providing information to the public but also helpful in Government's planning for taking up developmental projects.

Maintaining that the State has seen considerable improvement in all aspects, he also sought support and coordination from media persons in taking the State forward.

During the programme, Chairman, Manipur State Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore handed over tracksuits, caps, face masks and hand sanitizers to AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam for distribution to journalists taking part in the media campaign.

The items were provided by Manipur Pollution Control Board under Swachhta Action Plan Scheme 2020-21.During the month of February, the campaign will cover other places of the State including Ithai Pat, Loktak Pat, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Thinungei Bird Sanctuary in Bishnupur district; Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary in Tengnoupal district; Usoipokpi Pat, Waithou Pat, Utra Pat, Loushi Pat, Khoidum Pat, Kharam Pat and Ikop Pat in Thoubal district; Khayang Pat, Kachopung Pat in Kamjong district; Shirui National Park in Ukhrul district; Khamlang Pat, Yaral Pat, Poirou Pat, Heingang Pat in Imphal East; Zaimeng Lake in Kangpokpi district and Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary in Pherzawl district.

President, Editors' Guild Manipur Khogendra Khomdram, officials of the Forest Department, Environment and Climate Change Department and senior journalists of the State also attended the programme.

Later, the Chief Minister along with Forest Minister and Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board inspected the condition of Nambul river.