Imphal, January 14: Need for conservation/preservation of the flora and fauna species being found in Barak basin area has been highlighted with many environmentalists and experts opining that destruction of the existing bio-diversity species even before their identification should be avoided at any cost during a lecture programme held at the auditorium of Mayum Network at Kwakeithel Airport Road today.

The topic of the lecture jointly organised by Manipur Nature Society, Mayum Network and Citizens' Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) was 'Faunal diversity of Barak river basin'.

Lecturers from various colleges and experts attended the programme.

Giving the key note address of the programme, executive director of Manipur Nature Society Salam Rajesh pointed out that protection of an area where species of bio-diversity is found is an international concern.

All the bio-diversity species found in the Barak basin have not yet been identified and studied.

However, it is beyond doubt that flora and fauna species that have been discovered from this region are unique and endemic, he observed.

The North Eastern region including Manipur has been declared as a hot spot of bio-diversity in India and because of its rich bio-diversity many foreign countries have been showing keen interest to come and do research in Manipur, Rajesh said, adding, however, despite the fact that India is one of the signatory members of the UN on conservation of bio-diversity, the Indian Govt has been trying to take up various mega projects which might destroy the biodiversity of Manipur.

On the report submitted by NEEPCO to the Government in connection with the construction of the proposed Tipaimukh dam, Rajesh pointed that mention of Siroi Lily growing in Tipaimukh area, thus itself shows that no study on the existing bio-diversity had been ever taken up.

Speaking as on the topic as a resource persons, Dr Laiphrakpam Arunkumar, lecturer of Mayai Lambi College said bio-diversity found in Barak river and its basin is so vast that.

Apart from the rare species of fauna and flora which have been discovered so far, there might be many more which are yet to be explored.

Because so far no serious study in this field has been ever taken up by the experts both from Manipur and outside in this area.

Only few species of flora and fauna that the people know today are those which have been discovered a few enthusiastic environmentalist who have gone to the area own their own accord, he said.

In the tributaries of Barak river like Irang, Makru and Tuivai alone, 140 species of fishes have been found out so far.

Among them, there is the possibility of extinction of the Ngajai fish which was found in abundance at one time and another fish variety which resemble the shape of human footprint.

Today fish varieties like Ngawa Phuri Thungbi, Elisa, Una Manbi, Ngaseksha (ornamental fish) and Ngara are not being found in any other river except Barak river, he said, adding that Sareng Khoibi which is found in Barak river has great demand in Thailand.

Dr Arunkumar further disclosed that so far 34 species of frog, 12 species of snakes, 115 species of birds and 78 species of mammals have been found living in Barak basin.

Lecturer of Botany Dept, Modern College Somorjit, who also spoke at the occasion observed that apart from the necessity of identifying all the existing bio-diversity species found in Barak basin, there is the need to register the basin under the Geographical Indication (GI).

This would help in conservation of the existing bio-diversity species in Barak basin.

Ornithologist Wahengbam Rajesh also spoke during the programme which was followed by an interactive session.

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