Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 10 2009:
The State Assembly has resolved to enact a legislation to conserve paddy land and wetlands shortly.
The resolution was passed after deliberating on a private member resolution moved by MPP leader O Joy.
On behalf of the ruling party, Chief Minister O Ibobi acknowledged the need to conserve paddy land and wetlands.
Stating that conservation of paddy fields and wetlands needs a legislation, the Chief Minister sought some time to look into the finer details of the legislation.
Earlier, moving the private member resolution, MLA O Joy lamented that the Government has no mechanism to conserve paddy land and wetlands.
Referring to the emphasis given to food security in the annual budget of the UPA Government tabled recently, Joy pointed out the contradictory situation in Manipur where paddy fields are fast shrinking day by day.
He further stressed on the importance of enforcing an Act, similar to the one passed by the Kerala Assembly recently, to protect wetlands and paddy fields.
Joining the deliberation, Revenue Minister Th Debendra agreed with the Opposition member saying that wetlands and paddy fields of Manipur need conservation in tune with the priority given to food security in the Union budget.
Conservation of wetlands and paddy fields would necessitate amendment of the MLR Act, Debendra said and elaborated on the need to reactivate the Land Use Board which is defunct at present.
Debendra also called upon the House to minutely examine the mechanisms needed to foster close coordination between Agriculture and Revenue Departments before any law is enacted for conservation of paddy land and wetlands.