Manipur,IMPHAL, February 2: As a part of the World Wetland day celebration 2013, the day was also celebrated in the state today at Khordak Junior High School under the theme “Wet land and water management” along with the slogan of “Wet lands take care of water” organized by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in association with the Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum, Keibul Lamjao , the Unique Welfare Protection Committee, Sekmaijing and the Centre for Conservation of Nature and Cultivation of Science, Ningthoukhong.
Giving a key note address of the celebration, Project Coordinator Ng Sanajaoba said that as a part of the evolution of the earth it is very important to observe the day. He further pointed out the day has been observed all over the world from the year 1997 after delegates and the environmentalists across countries passed a resolution to protect and preserve wet lands in a conference meeting held at the Iranian city of Ramsar in 197.
” We need to have a farsighted vision for our future generations to save the Loktak Lake and other wetland area of the state,” he said
Speaking as a resource person, Environmentalist Dr Shamungou said that conserving wet lands is very critical since the major issue of conflict between people will be over water resources. Noting that global warming and climate change is now a reality all over the world, he said that this was the main reason that Manipur is facing very less rainfall last year.
During the observation today, a quiz competition related to the theme was also held.
Meanwhile, the All Loktak lake Area Fishermen’s Union and Environment & Human Development, Manipur jointly organized the World Wetlands Day 2013 at Ching-Lak Bazar, Thanga.
The observation was co-organised by Forum of Indigenous Perspective and Action, Center for Organization Research and Education, Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage, Citizen Concern for Dams and Development and IPAK film production. The World wetlands day 2013 was observed with the theme ‘wetlands take care of water’.
In a press release, the Environment and Human Development, EHUD said that Loktak Lake is under severe threat due to Ithai Dam operation by NHPC.
It is also mentioned that the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 is working against the fishing community depending on the Lake.
Today’s observation was dedicated to raise awareness about the lake and the Act by conducting essay, painting, poetry competition and debating in relation with the day. The whole competition was focused on how to save Loktak Lake of Manipur.
