Empowering Change: Inspiring Environmental Awareness Campaign for Manipur’s Iconic Ikop and Kharung Wetlands in Thoubal
An environmental awareness campaign centered on conserving the Ikop and Kharung wetlands in Manipur was held on January 21 at Tentha Multiplex in Thoubal district. This initiative, designed to enhance awareness and community involvement in wetland conservation, attracted attendance from key officials, community leaders, women, and local residents, including representatives from the Loktak Development Authority, Forest, and district administration.
These wetlands are crucial to the Loktak Lake ecosystem, a cornerstone for the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. They are vital in supporting diverse flora and fauna, sustaining local livelihoods through fishing and agriculture, and mitigating climate change by functioning as natural reservoirs and carbon sinks.
M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority, highlighted significant challenges facing these wetlands, notably ecological changes and encroachment, exacerbated by the Ithai Barrage. This has resulted in a significant reduction in wetland size over the past four decades. Emphasizing their interdependence with Loktak Lake, Singh noted efforts to rejuvenate these ecosystems under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s leadership, aiming to transform them into iconic wetlands.
Singh extended gratitude to community leaders and participants, particularly the ‘Meira Paibis’, for their active engagement and support, which are vital for successful conservation.
Thoubal District Deputy Commissioner Ahanthem Subhash Singh advocated for community-driven conservation efforts, urging against waste disposal in rivers feeding into the wetlands. Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee, Divisional Forest Officer of Thoubal Forest Division, urged protection of the wetlands, discouraging harmful practices like earth removal and disturbances to rare migratory birds, emphasizing adherence to the Wildlife Protection Act.
The campaign featured a documentary, “Ikop Amadi Kharungpat Ki Masaikolda,” highlighting the wetlands’ historical and ecological significance and pressing conservation needs. This initiative serves as a rallying call for policymakers and communities to unite in preserving Manipur’s ecological and cultural heritage through wetland conservation.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-environmental-awareness-campaign-on-ikop-and-kharung-wetlands-held-in-thoubal-1158332-2025-01-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-21 19:37:00
