IMPHAL — World
Wetlands Day 2025 was observed on Sunday at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur, on the
UN theme ‘Protecting wetlands for our common future.’
The state-level observation, which was organised by the
Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, was attended by Chief Minister N
Biren Singh, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th. Biswajit Singh
and Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that
Leishang Hiden has been chosen as the site for observing the World Wetlands
Day, considering its historical significance, and to work out on measures to
conserve it.
Recalling the dilapidated condition of Nambul River some
years back, Singh said that the cleaning process of the river was started when
he was the then Forest and Environment Minister in 2004.
After becoming the chief minister, he said the rejuvenation
and conservation work of Nambul River continued and household wastes along the
river are being treated at the water treatment plant at Mongsangei.
The treated water is used for agricultural purposes, he
added.
The chief minister also informed that the Leishang Hiden
Eastern Part Phase-I project is being developed at a cost of around INR 12.81
crore. He further informed that the western side would also be developed with
spaces for walking, cycling and open gym, among others.
Speaking on the state government’s initiatives to rejuvenate
water bodies, the chief minister mentioned that restoration of Yaral-pat had
been done and rejuvenation of Lamphelpat water body project has been taken up
with a project cost of around INR. 650 crore.
He raised concern on degradation of the environment and
extinction of water sources due to large scale deforestation. Stressing the
need to use groundwater as a source of water, the chief minister informed that
more than 500 ground drilling pumps had been set up under the Minor Irrigation
department.
Further, Singh informed that beautification of various rivers
including Imphal River and Kongba River would be taken up.
In his address, Forest Environment and Climate Change
Minister Th. Biswajit Singh stated that various human activities and unethical
use of natural resources for personal benefits have led to degradation of the
environment and climate change.
He stressed the need to carry out mass awareness programmes
on the importance of wetlands in preserving nature and environment, while
informing that the number of wetlands in the state had decreased a lot.
Degradation of wetland is three times faster than that of
the forest, he added. He also raised concern on loss of spring sources in hill
areas, causing water scarcity.
