Manipur Recognizes Three Wetlands for Conservation Efforts

Manipur's Wetland Conservation Initiative

Imphal, Feb 3: In a significant move, Manipur has officially designated three wetlands, spanning a total of 466.77 hectares. These include Yaral Pat in Imphal East, Utra Pat in Bishnupur, and Waithou Phumnom Pat located in the Imphal East-Thoubal districts.

According to Dr. T Brajakumar Singh, Director of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), this notification marks the first time wetlands have been recognized under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, with three out of 23 wetlands being officially notified.

The Wetland Atlas (Space Application Centre) 2021 indicates that Manipur is home to 132 wetlands, although the boundaries of only 71 wetlands, covering 40,401 hectares, have been delineated.

Dr. Brajakumar emphasized the critical role of wetlands, describing them as essential green infrastructure vital for human survival. He referred to wetlands as the 'kidneys of the planet' and highlighted the importance of preserving the three ecosystems: Ching (hills), Pat (wetlands), and Turel (rivers), which have been crucial for sustaining life since ancient times.

The theme for this year's observation, 'Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,' reflects the intrinsic link between ecosystems and indigenous practices, particularly significant in the context of Manipur.

During the event, Principal Secretary for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Arun Kumar Sinha, along with other officials, discussed the implementation of Integrated Management Plans under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, which includes efforts for five wetlands, such as Loktak Lake.