In a proactive move to safeguard the rare and culturally significant Siroi Lily and Kombirei flowers from the threat of extinction, the State of Manipur is embarking on a thorough investigation encompassing both laboratory and field studies.The announcement came from Dr. T Brajakumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change, during the commemoration ceremony of the International Day of Biological Diversity at the State Botanical Garden Khongampat today, held under the theme “Be part of the plan”. Siroi Lily, revered as the state flower of Manipur, and Kombirei, holding profound historical and cultural significance in Meitei society, are facing the peril of extinction. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. T Brajakumar revealed plans for an exhaustive examination aimed at identifying optimal strategies for their preservation. Highlighting the broader environmental context, Brajakumar underscored the challenges posed by the invasion of foreign species, prompting the initiation of assessments to identify both flora and fauna foreign to the state.
Manipur, nestled within the convergence of two global biodiversity hotspots – the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot and the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity. However, the state is witnessing a concerning trend of endemic species facing endangerment, prompting imminent documentation efforts. MH Khan, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing Manipur’s natural resources and biodiversity, emphasizing the interlinked nature of forests, environment, and climate. Furthermore, collaborative efforts with the department have initiated river cleaning projects for major rivers like Nambul, Kongba, and Imphal River, with hopes of securing substantial funding for the restoration of the Imphal River from the concerned ministry.
Dr. H Birkumar, Chief Scientist of CSIR-NEIST, emphasized the urgency of preserving endemic species to maintain Manipur’s coveted status as a biodiversity hotspot, cautioning that the loss of these species could tarnish the region’s reputation. Dr. Kh Samungou, Chairman of the Technical Committee of State Wetlands Authority Manipur, echoed the sentiment, attributing habitat degradation and global climate change as primary threats to biological diversity. He stressed the necessity of collective efforts from stakeholders and the public to conserve biodiversity effectively.