Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 12 (EMN): The problems of nearly 2.8 million population of Manipur because of the impact of the climate change which accounts to more than other non-Himalayan states were highlighted in the 23rd United Nation’s Parties of Conferences (COP 23) at Bonn, Germany in the Indian Pavilion on Saturday.
Repeated flood during pre-monsoon in 2017 in Manipur, some of the few experiences of floods, issues in getting water during post monsoon, washed out of villages due to landslides, to name a few drew the attention of the conference, according to official sources.
Dr T Brajakumar of the state Environment Department made the presentation which was based on factual reports by the Climate Scientists in the Himalayan States, especially in northeast states, and its consequences, impacts on the life of Himalayan people, initiatives taken up by the state and people’s participation in Climate Change Adaptation, to mention a few.
In his presentation Brajakumar focused on the response from the vulnerable section of people who are waiting assistance after the expose by the climate change, climate justice, climate change insurance.
“Of course, policy will come from the government, action is mandate since it is a state subject, however, result will be told by the people who are really impacted and vulnerable,” the deputy director of state environment department said when contacted.
Manipur being a non-industrial state and compromising in every developmental program by protecting forest of more than 72% of forests coverage as natural conservationist, facing problems of climate change impact more than other non-Himalayan states.
“Having said that, I have appeal to re-think on any actions and development activities which may escalate climate change which ultimately impact regions like Manipur,” Brajakumar who is the state coordinator of state climate change cell added.
The main agenda of the Indian pavilion session in CoP 23 which was attended by Advisor (strategic programme, large initiatives and coordinated action enabler and climate change program Dr. Nisha Mendiratta of Department of science and technology, government of India, was creating and enabling conditions of state level actions through capacity building and knowledge management.
Manipur had experienced five times flood and landslides at various parts of the state due to changing climate. The state suffered a huge loss of around Rs 213.71 cr. worth properties during the floods since Cyclone Mora hit the state in May this year.
It had also claimed more than 20 lives and affected nearly 53 percent agriculture land, 16,968 hectares of fish farms, 19,095 houses, 421 government infrastructure including 128 schools, 43 bridges and 35 market sheds.
The mudslide and landslide hit areas include Chakhumei in Senapati where 22 houses were washed away on August 26, Sirarakhong in Ukhrul where 7 houses were destroyed on April 5 and Kalikhola in Kangpokpi where 11 houses were completely destroyed on June 5 forcing the villagers to vacate their houses and rebuilt at safer places.
