IMPHAL —
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said many rivers, lakes and
water bodies in the state are being rejuvenated to protect their ecosystem and
the surrounding environment.
The water bodies are also being redeveloped for
beautification and promotion of eco-tourism, the CM said at a function of World
Wetlands Day at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur in Imphal West district.
"We are preserving and rejuvenating the wetlands. We
depend on nature to survive. We are taking care of it. Many wetlands
rejuvenation (related projects) have been sent to the Union ministry for
financial assistance. Some has been taken up by the state government," he
said.
The CM said, "Leishang Hiden holds a significant place
in the history of Manipur and we have begun the work to restore it. The
important rivers, lakes and water bodies of our state are being redeveloped for
beautification and promotion of eco-tourism. They are being rejuvenated to
protect their ecosystem and the surrounding environment which are vital for our
sustenance and growth."
On encroachments of wetlands, Singh said the state
government has issued eviction notices.
"I cannot name the people. As the previous governments
did not protect the wetlands during their rule there had been encroachments.
The state government has issued eviction notices to various individuals. Those
with proper legal documents will be given compensation while the rest will be
evicted."
Manipur Power, Forest, Environment and Climate Change
minister Biswajit Thongam and many MLAs also attended the function.
