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Our Correspondent
Imphal, April 12 (EMN): Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh reiterated that the government was committed to restore water bodies to conserve rare flora and fauna of Manipur. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Kombirei Festival 2021 at Epathoukok Complex, Lamphelpat in Imphal on Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister said that with the changing times, there have been a number of activities which affects environment resulting in changes in natural habitat of ethnic flora and fauna of Manipur. He said climate change was also a great factor affecting the natural vegetation to survive in its best habitation. In view of such factors which affect many species, Manipur government is trying to restore and conserve wetlands in the state, he said. Restoration of Lamphelpat water body is the priority to conserve the natural habitat of ethnic flowers like Kombirei, he added.
Joykumar Singh further said that Kombirei -- the endemic flower -- is deeply associated with the cultural folklore of Manipur which needs special care and attention to conserve it from extinction. The flower has a special place in the cultural history of Manipur like in Sajibu Nongma Panba - Cheiraoba.
“Therefore, scientific research should be conducted to find out the best suitable ways for ensuring its best habitat and multiplication,’ he added.
The deputy chief minister, who is also in-charge of Science and Technology, assured the gathering that the required funding to conduct scientific research especially for Kombirei would be made. He also appealed the people to cooperate with the government’s initiatives to conserve environment in the days to come.
Joykumar Singh also released a half-yearly journal ‘Likhun’ in the inaugural ceremony of the two-day festival which will on April 13.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr. RK Ranjan Singh while speaking at the function said, “in view of the changing climatic conditions, it is time to make all out efforts to conserve environment”. He said the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also committed for the restoration of wet lands in the country and many programmes and schemes have been implemented. Dr. Singh also stressed the need to conduct scientific research to conserve Kombirei and exuded confidence that he would help to approve projects regarding conservation of such rare species whenever pursued by the concerned departments and agencies to the Central Ministries.