IMPHAL, Feb 2 - In a bid to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in maintaining the ecosystem, the World Wetlands Day was observed across the State with the holding of different events.
The State-level World Wetlands Day function was held under the theme, �Wetlands and Climate Change�, on the Sendra island, 45 km south of Imphal in Bishnupur district. The function was jointly organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and the Loktak Lake Tourism Development Cooperative Society Limited.
Manipur is home to around 28 wetlands, including four man-made reservoirs covering 1.90 per cent of the State�s total geographical area.
Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Deputy Speaker K Robindro Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) Suhel Akhtar, LDA Project Director L Bhagaton Singh, students and teachers of various schools attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Shyamkumar said pollution in the Loktak Lake, which is known as the mirror of Manipur, is a bad sign. On the importance of the largest freshwater lake in North East India, he said that active public participation is necessary to save the lake.
On the decrease in the production and cultivation of the yongchak (stink bean) in the State, the minister said that the decline in the bat population could be a reason behind its lesser production. Stating that rampant hunting of birds has a direct impact on the environment, Shyamkumar stressed the need to check the hunting of animals and birds. He said that in the present world, a nation is considered developed if it conserves and protects the environment and wildlife.
Principal of Kumbi College K Jugeshwor Singh and Dr S Shyamjai Singh, Scientific Officer of LDA, also spoke at length on the significance of observing the day, importance of wetlands, scope of wetland tourism and link between the wetlands and the environment during the function.
Winners of an on-the-spot painting competition were given certificates, along with cash rewards. Two students received consolation prizes and certificates.
The World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 every year to mark the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
