Experts urge collective efforts to protect Manipur’s biodiversity

IMPHAL — Experts and academicians on Tuesday expressed the need to protect and conserve the state's rich bio-diversity by promoting sustainable development.

These observations were made during a one-day discourse on biodiversity conservation held under the aegis of Department of Zoology, Manipur University (MU), in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), Loktak Development Authority(LDA), Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Industries Pvt. Ltd., at the Inland Water Transport complex hall, Sendra,45 km south of Imphal.

The event, on the theme ‘Harmony with nature and sustainable development,’ also adopted the local slogan ‘Unwind the mirror: The Loktak Lake,’ focusing on the preservation of Manipur’s iconic freshwater lake.

Speaking on the occasion, Director of DoECC, Dr. T Brajakumar Singh, appealed to the students and scholars of MU to conduct research that informs government policies, while Head of Zoology Department, MU, Prof. Th. Binoy Singh, called for urgent steps to conserve Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast.

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Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Babina Healthcare, Dr. Th. Dhabali Singh emphasised Manipur's tourism potential, citing its rich natural resources, and recalled well-known tourism consultant from Sikkim PK Dong's description of the state as a ‘Sleeping Lion in Tourism.’

Former Vice-Chancellor of DM University, Prof. N Rajmuhon Singh, and Project Director of LDA, Ngangom Sanajaoba Meitei, also spoke on the occasion, which was attended by students, college teachers and faculties of MU.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Prof. N Mohilal Meitei of MU's Zoology department highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity. Secretary S Bhubon of BeeNet Manipur also presented a talk on biodiversity conservation in Manipur.

Prior to the day’s discourse, a social service programme was also organised along the popular Sendra Road at Loktak Lake.