State level World Wetlands Day observed

Imphal: World Wetlands Day 2025 was observed today at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur under the UN theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for our common future’. The state level observation, which was organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, was attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as Chief Guest, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th. Biswajit Singh and MLA of Langthabal AC Karam Shyam as president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that Leishang Hiden had been chosen as the site for observing the World Wetlands Day, considering its historical significance and to work out on measures to conserve it.

Continuing that he himself had much concern for the environment, the Chief Minister recalled the dilapidated condition of Nambul River some years back. He stated that the cleaning process of the river was started when he was the Forest and Environment Minister in 2004. After becoming the Chief Minister of the State, the rejuvenation and conservation work of Nambul River continued and the household wastes along the Nambul river are brought through pipelines and are being treated at the Water treatment plant at Mongsangei, he said. He added that the treated water had been used for agricultural purposes.

He informed that the Leishang Hiden eastern part Phase-I project is being developed with a cost of around Rs. 12.81 crore. He further informed that the western side would also be developed with spaces for walking, cycling and open gym among others. He spoke on the beautification work of road median through planting trees and watering regularly.

N. Biren announced plans to consider constructing a market shed in Langthabal areas.

Speaking on the State Government’s initiatives to rejuvenate water bodies, the Chief Minister mentioned that restoration of Yaral-pat had been done. Rejuvenation of Lamphelpat Waterbody project had been taken up with a project cost of around Rs. 650 crores. He raised concern on degradation of the environment and extinction of water sources due to large scale deforestation. Stressing the need to use groundwater as a source of water, the Chief Minister informed that more than 500 ground drilling pumps had been set up under the Minor Irrigation Department.

He informed that beautification of various rivers including Imphal River and Kongba River would be taken up with a project cost of Rs. 86 crore (approx.). He also spoke on the positive changes which could be seen in Waithou Pat.

Concluding his speech he sought support of the public in the State Government’s initiatives to safeguard the indigenous people of the State and other development initiatives.

Delivering his speech as president of the observation, Forest Environment and Climate Change Minister Th. Biswajit Singh stated that various human activities and unethical use of natural resources for personal benefits among individuals had caused degradation of the environment and climate change.

He stressed the need to carry out a mass awareness programme on the importance of wetlands in preserving the nature and environment, informing that the number of wetlands in the State had decreased a lot. Degradation of wetland is three times faster than that of the forest, he added. He also raised concern on loss of spring sources in hill areas, causing water scarcity.

The Minister informed that the Government is in the process of notification of seven wetlands under the Wetlands (Management and Conservation) Rules 2017 including Kachouphung / Achau Maki Wetland of Kamjong, Jaimeng Wetland of Kangpokpi, Waithou-Phumnom Pat of Thoubal & Imphal East, Yaral Pat of Imphal East, Utra Pat of Bishnupur District, Pumlen – Khoidum Pat of Kakching and Ikop- Kharung Pat of Thoubal and Kakching.

During the programme, N. Biren Singh released ‘Wetlands of Manipur’ Version-1.0

Prizes were also distributed for State Level Symposium, Poster Competition, Wetlands Mitra.

PHED Minister Susindro Meitei, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo, MLAs Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Th. Shyamkumar, Sapam Kunjakeswor, Md. Abdul Nasir, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Anurag Vajpai, Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha and other officials of Environment Department among others.