Imphal, March 20 (EMN): In a move to study the behaviour of different fish species, to conserve the fish fauna of the state, to make aware of the available local fishes to the public and to create a place for recreation of the public, the 5th State Level Aquarium Exhibition Cum Flower Show began here at Manipur Science Aquarium in D M College Campus, Imphal.
Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar formally opened the five days exhibition cum flower show on Sun. March 18. The show will end on March 24.
Speaking on the occasion, Joykumar who holds the Science and Technology portfolio said, the initiative taken up by Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) to showcase rearing of indigenous as well as exotic species of fishes is a very good step towards popularisation of conserving rare and nearing extinction indigenous species in the state. He said, nowadays many indigenous species both flora and fauna have not been found in abundance due to many activities destructing their habitations.
On floriculture, Joykumar said, it is an important hobby to give our mind free from stress and also it gives us pleasure as well. Although, we may not be able to take up floriculture in large scale, but at least we should try to develop gardening at our homes. It will give us the pleasure of refreshing our minds.
In her speech, Secretary (Science & Technology) Nidhi Kesarwani said attention has to be given to conserve indigenous flora and fauna and also to preserve rich biodiversity in the state. She said biodiversity conservation should be the primary concern to all of us so that rare species can be conserved. She also appealed to the concerned authorities to create a database of the rare indigenous species (both flora and fauna) so that people can access through websites. She expressed confidence that such exhibition cum flower show would help people to contact more with the needs of nature.
The exhibition cum show will be open for public every day from 11 am to 7 pm till March 24, according to Director of MASTEC Th Surendranath. As many as 25 local and many exotic fish species have been rearing in Manipur Science Aquarium.
