Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, April 15
Various livelihood issues arising out of the climate change across the state including those happening in the hill districts were discussed during the day long capacity building workshop on ‘Role of women in climate change adaptation’ at the court room of the Manipur University today.
The workshop was organised by the Manipur University Working Women’s Association (MUWWA) in collaboration with the the Directorate of environment Government of Manipur. Vice Chancellor of the Manipur University Prof HNK Sarma, Dean of school of life science Prof W Vishwanath of Manipur University, Director of Environment Dr M Homeshwor and President of MUWWA Prof Asha Gupta attended the inaugural function of the workshop as chief guest, guests of honour and functional president.Many representatives mostly college teachers and NGO workers from almost all the districts of the state excluding Churachandpur attended the day’s workshop.
Women representatives from Senapati district- Reseach scholar Ng Nurou and Mt Everest College Ng Elizabeth highlighted the important parameters of the hill district due to climate change during the workshop.
Temperature rise, high intensity rainfall, frequent landslide, livelihood options drainage problems, are some of the parameters, according to them. On the other hand Chandel representative expressed the need to enhance the accessibility and connectivity in the district.Representatives of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal,Bishnupur, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts also shared their experiences in their day to day livelihood due to climate change in the day’s workshop.
Earlier inaugurating the workshop, Vice Chancellor of the varsity Prof HNK Sarma said, “We’ve to follow the Gandhian way of life in some extent to control the climate change.” Prof W Vishwanath Dean, school of life science in his speech predicted that the metabolic activities will be increased if the temperature rises and subsequently the production level will be decreased which will affect the food security of the human population in the days to come.
Prof Vishwanath also welcomed Director Homeshwor’s suggestion of introducing bicycles in the Manipur University (MU) campus to maintain a clean environment.
Dr Homeshwor in his deliberation sought Vice Chancellor’s permission in connection with the introduction of Bamboo cycles in the MU campus.
He also highlighted the steps taken by his department for the further discussion and implementation of the state action plan on climate change which focuses on 8 missions including the most vulnerable areas of water, forest, health and agriculture sectors.
Prof Asha Gupta of Manipur University observed, “We need to think of some coping mechanism today as women are living close to nature. Women are torch bearers even though they are sufferers.”
