Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 11:
A one day discussion programme on "Condition and Challenges of Wetlands in Manipur" was organised by the Citizens' Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.
CCDD chairperson Dr RK Ranjan moderated two sessions on "Condition and Challenges of Wetlands in Manipur" and Strategies for Protecting Wetlands of Manipur", informed a CCDD release.
The discussion programme was addressed by History Lecturer of Kakching Khunou College Oinam Binoy on "Challenges of Pumlenpat", Haobijam Joy of the Loktak Project Affected Areas Action Committee and RK Birjit of GENIM Ningthoukhong spoke on "Condition of Loktak Wetlands", Wangkhem Ibochou on "Condition of Waithou Pat", Keisham Ranjit on "Protection of Keirou Loukon, Takyelpat" and Moirangthem Surendro on "Need for Protecting Lamphelpat".
K Ragailung and Laishram Deven also presented papers on the need for protection of agricultural land of Manipur.
After thorough deliberation on the condition of wetlands in Manipur, the discussion programme decided to reject all forms of arbitrary and modernisation projects which entail severe negative impacts and implications such as acquisition of land, destruction of wetlands and rivers etc.
The CCDD asserted that the people of Manipur have been enduring the adverse impacts of arbitrary development projects and human interventions on wetlands, rivers, forest by way of construction of barrages, dams and unplanned urbanisation, militarisation etc which entailed loss of livelihood, displacement, destruction of ecosystem, climate changes, intensified flood and drought.
It further remarked that the current trend of modernisation and urbanisation only advances hegemony and political conspiracy on the part of the Government to undermine the intrinsic Manipuri peoples relationship with their wetlands, rivers, forests, land and other natural resources.
In fact, the current mode of modernisation has been only fostering the culture of dependency and eroding economic and political integrity.
The workshop resolved that no intervention on wetlands of Manipur should be allowed without free prior and informed consent of the peoples of Manipur.
It urged for a holistic policy and wetlands policy in particular to protect and preserve wetlands of Manipur with active participation of the people by creating a State wetlands board.
The workshop also called for review of all modernisation/developmental and other interventions (including militarisation) on wetlands and rivers in Manipur.
It urged for conservation and protection of the forest of Manipur that serves as the catchment of wetlands and rivers.
Further, the workshop resolved that the Manipur land Reforms and Land Registration Act and the British Land Acquisition Act 1894 be reviewed.
Other resolutions of the meeting include de-commissioning of the Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project, creation of a master development plan of Manipur with active participation of people and recognition and protection of the wetlands of Manipur under Ramsar Convention.