IMPHAL, May 31: A State Level Convention on Weltlands (Conservation & Management) Rules 2016 was held today at Manipur Press Club today.
The convention was jointly organised by All Loktak Lake Areas Fishersmen’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), Center for Organisation Research and Education (CORE), Center for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM), Human Rights Initiative (HRI), Indian National Trust for Arts & Cultural Heritage (INTACH)- Manipur chapter, Ingenious Perspective and Peoples Resource Development (IPPRD).
President of COHR Phulindro Konsam said, most of the developmental projects taken up by the State only result in creating internal displacement and this is a violation of human rights.
He said that the notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on March 31 2016 for taking effective steps of conservation and management of the wetlands in the country would end up against the people.
The notification is not in line with the Ramsar Convention an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, he added.
The Ramsar Convention clearly says that any development project should not give any disturbances to people inhabiting in and around wetland areas, he further said.
Secretary of Center for Research and Advocacy Jiten Yumnam said that most of wetlands in Manipur have been destroyed in the name of development.
He said, the time has come for us the people to protect wetlands. The present development model while causing the destruction of wetlands it will also lead to loss of flora and fauna and biodiversity.
All development projects taken up by the government has benefited only the capitalists, political leaders and officers, he said.