Imphal, February 02: As observed throughout the world, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD), Palace Compound organised a day-long consultation programme at Khuman Lampak Youth Centre to mark World Wetlands Day today.

The function organised in collaboration with Manipur Association for Science and Society (Mass) and supported by CVTC, Imphal was held on the theme �Riverine Projects in Manipur� with Mass� working president Dr Brajakumar Sharma as chairperson.

The main objective of the programme was to highlight proliferation of development projects in Manipur that reflects insensitivity to the local culture, tradition, environment and other entities considered vital for survival of indigenous people and tribes of Manipur.

It also aims at broadly exploring and collectively understanding the trend of development projects targeting wetlands and rivers of Manipur with special reference to Mapithel/Thoubal dam, Loktak Hydro electric Project, proposed Tipaimukh dam etc besides sensitising the general public on the need to respect values, equity and sustenance with developmental issues and to form opinion towards respect of rights and responsive appropriate action.

At the end of the one day consultative meet several recommendations were adopted including creation of an overall wetlands boards in Manipur replacing Loktak Development Authority to enable conservation and protection of myriad wetlands in the State.

It also stressed on the importance of a water policy, review of Loktak Hydro Electric Project in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations of World Commission on Dams to suggest alternatives, including de-commissioning of dams.

The session also called for endorsing recommendations and commitments of the Second North East Consultation on �Understanding Dams Proliferation in North East India� held at Shillong in August 20-22 last year.

The Shillong resolution particularly stressed on mandatory environmental impact assessments and cultural and health impact assessment for all proposed dams and related projects affecting water resources in the NE region.

Speakers at the session also took cognizance of wetlands and rivers serving as elixir of life, place for creation of the ancestors, cultures and traditions of indigenous people of Manipur.

They also deliberated at length on inalienable rights of the indigenous and tribal people of Manipur for permanent sovereignty and control, to own and manage the land, forest and water resources and for a right to free, prior and informed consent to any development projects even as others noted the fragility of the eco-systems and adverse impacts of mega developmental projects on water bodies, destroyed biological diversity, including wetlands in Manipur.

In addition to a number of environmentalists sharing their opinion on the related topic CCDD convenor RK Ranjan, convenor of Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam Aram Pamei, editor of Aja daily Valley Rose Hungyo and representative of Chadong people�s Organisation Thanmei Kashung also addressed the gathering.

Meanwhile, Manipur Wetland Society (Mawets) and Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Assn jointly observed World Wet-lands Day at the latter�s Lamdan premise of Manipur Mountaineering Institute.

The observance, which marks the date of signing of the Ramsar Convention - an international treaty aimed at conservation and wise use of wetlands - gives us an opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising awareness of wetland values and benefits, said a Mawets press release.

It also informed of 70 adventure course trainees along with members of Mawets and MMTA having participated at the observance.

Mawets secretary Chanam Bidan in his brief speech highlighted the need for sustainable utilisation of lakes and rivers for the future generation and livelihood keeping in mind the economic, social, ecological and cultural importance of wetlands.

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