Imphal, May 22: Deterioration in the environmental condition of Manipur has given a serious impact not only to the socio-economic condition of its people but also on their health and physical well being, Senior Scientific Officer of Environment and Ecology Wing, Government of Manipur Dr M Homeshwor has expressed concern.

Speaking as functional president during the funciton held in connection with International Day for Biological Diversity at State Guest House here today, Dr Homeshwor pointed out that environmental condition of Manipur has deteriorated over the last few years so much so that it has had a serious impact on the living condition of the people and the existing biodiversity.

In accordance to findings of the research conducted jointly by 1395 scientists of the world, around 158 species of plants and animals disappeared from the surface of the earth and there is the possibility of another 1800 to 5500 species of plants and animals becoming extinct every year if the environmental condition continues to deteriorate at the present rate, he said.

In the context of Manipur, the impact of the environmental deterioration can be gauged easily from the fact that there is no fish in Nambul river and many indigenous plants that use to grow in the wild in and around the Loktak Lake are no longer seen today, he said, adding that many people who used to depend on these plants for their livelihood have been rendered jobless today.

Changes in the climatic condition has also affected the health of the people, he said.

IAS Officer KK Chhetry who also spoke at the occasion pointed out that plants and animals are indispensable part of human existence and extinction of one would entail extinction of the other.

So every efforts should be made to conserve the plants and animals.

The growth of Industrialisation has its bearing on the ecological balance, he said while exhorting that it is high time to understand this issue by all the people.

Many resources persons presented papers on various topics like 'Founal diversity and its conservation in Manipur', 'Orchid diversity and its conservation in Manipur ', 'Medicinal plants and its traditional knowledge conservation prospect in Manipur', 'Biological diversity Acts and Rules and its conservation strategies' and 'Roles of environment and ecology Wing in biological diversity' during the function.

Director of Planning Dept N Mangi and Prof B Manihar of Life Science Dept, MU were present at the inaugural function of the observance as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

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