Our Correspondent
Imphal, Feb. 3 (EMN): World Wetlands Day was observed widely across Manipur. the programme was observed with the theme “wetlands for a sustainable future” on Feb. 2 Fri.
The state level observation was held with the state Forest and environment minister Th Shyamkumar as chief guest at Thanga village located on the periphery of Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in northeast.
Shyamkumar requested the locals of the area to take proper care of the lake while appealing not to use LED lights for fishing and other unfriendly things to scare migratory birds from coming to the lake. The ecology of nature is interdependent on each other so it is necessary to save the lake from losing its nature inhabitants too, he said.
Other speakers also highlighted how the World Wetlands Day started and how it was important for the state to preserve wetlands besides Loktak.
The day was jointly organised by department of Environment, Manipur and Editors’ Guild of Manipur by holding a discussion in Imphal, to spread awareness about the importance of preserving wetlands in the urban areas.
Saying that urbanization was leading to rapid decrease in wetland areas, Prof. W Vishwanath of Manipur University said that the wetlands can control air pollution, flood and can also promote tourism apart from saving the environment if preserved.
The All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) along with indigenous perspectives also observed the day at Loktak Floating Elementary School at Langolsabi Leikai, Champu Khangpok village of Thanga wherein ALLAFUM functionary Oinam Rajen appealed to extend help in addressing their issues.
Recognising the importance of wetlands, the new government in the state has recently allocated 442.24 acres of land in Lamphel area as part of the attempt to preserve the wetlands.
