The Department of Geography at Manipur University commemorated World Wetlands Day 2026 by organizing an event at the lakeshore of Loktak Lake, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” This initiative aimed to enhance awareness about wetland conservation and gather insights from the community on the preservation and restoration of Loktak Lake. The event saw participation from university faculty and students, facilitating valuable interactions with local elders and community leaders.
Shri Oinam Rajen, a leader from the All Loktak Lake Area Fishers Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), spoke about the lake’s ecological decline and its repercussions on local livelihoods. He identified pollution sources, including solid waste, plastics, biomedical waste, and microplastics present in the lake’s organisms. His advocacy included recommendations for addressing issues such as the proliferation of phumdis and deteriorating water quality, suggesting that opening the Ithai Barrage for a minimum of 90 days annually could be beneficial.
Additionally, a cleaning drive was conducted along the lakeshore, successfully collecting recyclable materials like plastic bottles and other waste, which were then deposited at designated collection points. This observance of World Wetlands Day beyond the university campus emphasizes the alignment with this year’s theme and reflects Manipur University’s commitment to enhance community-based academic engagement, a strategic priority under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh.