Manipur observes World Wetlands Day

Our Correspondent Imphal, Feb. 2 (EMN): The state-level World Wetlands Day was observed under the theme ‘Wetlands and Climate Change’ at Sendra, Bishnupur district of Manipur. The observation was jointly organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and Loktak Lake Tourism Development Co-operative Society Limited. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the pollution of the Loktak Lake, known as the mirror of the Manipur is the largest fresh water lake in the Northeast India, he said the lake including other wetlands moderate the climate of the state. Active public participation is necessary to save the Loktak Lake, he said He maintained that people should plant trees in every occasion for the improvement of the environment. The existence of wildlife is also equally important that is why hunting of animals and birds should be stopped, he said. In the present world, a nation is known as a developed one if it conserves and protects the environment and the wildlife, he added. Principa K Jugeshwor Singh of Kumbi College and Scientific Officer Dr. S. Shyamjai Singh of LDA spoke in length about the observation of the day, importance of the wetlands, scope of wetlands tourism and link between the wetlands and the environment. A spot painting competition was also held at the Loktak Inland Transport complex and winners were given certificates along with cash reward. Manipur is home to around 28 wetlands including 4 man-made reservoir covering 42,608 hectares. A largest area of wetland lies in Bishnupur district covering an area of 24,977 hectares according to official sources. World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February of each year to mark the date of adoption of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. The Convention is the only multilateral environmental agreement to date for conservation and wise usage of wetlands. There are also reports observing the day at various parts of the state.