This was stated by Dr G Tomba Sharma, ex-Principal of DM College of Science during the observation of World Wetlands Day organized by Manipur Pollution Control Board today at Hotel Imphal, North AOC.
He further stated that many wetlands in the world are fast degrading due to various environmental factors. The day is being observed to spread the message of “preserving wetlands as important bio-diversity spots” as envisaged by the Ramsar Convention.
Loktak Lake and Lamphelpat are important wetlands in the state which are fast degrading without any intervention for preservation, Dr Tomba noted.
Dwelling on the theme of this year’s observation “Wetlands and Tourism”, he stated that wetlands can be well-developed as popular tourist spots not only for generating income but also for maintaining the ecological balance.
The observation was also attended by Prof B Manihar of Department Life Sciences, Manipur University, N Minaketan Singh, senior environmental engineer of Manipur Pollution Control Board and other eminent environmentalists of the state.
RK Sunita, GIS expert of Manipur Remote Sensor Application Centre also talked on the topic “Wetlands with reference to present scenario of Manipur”.
The observation was also organized by All Manipur Thanga People’s Welfare Association and All Loktak Areas Fishermen’s Union in coordination with Loktak Development Authority at Thanga Chinglak Bazar Community Hall.
RK Ranjan Singh, chairperson of CCDD, Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor of Imphal Free Press, Babloo Loitongbam, director of Human Rights Alert and N Rajesh Singh, secretary general of Life Watch, Manipur attended the observation as the resource persons.