Manipur Governor speaks at launching programme of CSIR

Our Correspondent Imphal, Sep. 19 (EMN): Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptullah on Tuesday expressed her desire to decommission the Ithai barrage in Manipur. Ithai barrage (35ft high dam) across Manipur River with three spillway bays is major component of 34 year old Loktak multipurpose project to provide regulated storage to plans to generate 105 MW of power and lift irrigation. Dr Heptulla was speaking at the launching programme of Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Aroma Mission and Anthropogenic impact and their management options in the different ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan region (Imphal/Manipur river basin) at CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Branch laboratory Imphal. CSIR-NEIST laboratory in Manipur was established to generate and develop knowledge products, which meet high international standards in terms of quality, cost & efficiency. Informing that she was working very hard for removal of Ithai Barrage, Dr Heptullah said she had met the Ministry of Environment at the centre. Loktak Lake, the largest lake in the Northeast, is shrinking because of the barrage. Water cannot flow to downstream and many rare species both flora and fauna are vanishing from its natural habitat. Assuring help from Raj Bhawan in pertain to plant research work, she also asked for not to fight with nature in the name of modernization. Expressing serious concern over the threat by exotic species, she appealed to stop planting Eucalyptus plant which was brought from Australia during British period as it helps in decreasing the rich biodiversity of the State. She also appealed to the Scientists of Manipur for starting a movement against the planting of eucalyptus plant in the region. The plant has negative effect to the region’s environment like inducing soil degradation, decline of ground water level and also harm to other plants. Director Dr D Ramaiah of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Chief Scientist Dr P Sengupta, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat and renown economist Prof N Mohendro Singh,Former Member, Steering Committee NER Vision, 2020 DoNER, Government of India attended the function. In the day’s programme, a memorandum of understanding between the CSIR-NEIST Imphal and farmers of the State was also signed and distributed quality planting variety of lemon grass and citronella plant which were developed by the CSIR-NEIST.