A State-level symposium for colleges, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” was conducted at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change in Imphal East on World Wetlands Day 2026. Moderated by Dr. Koijam KK, it featured notable speakers including Dr. Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh and Dr. W. Roshan Singh. Tourangbam Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the crucial role of wetlands in environmental protection, biodiversity support, and local livelihoods. He noted that Manipur has 134 wetlands, with efforts underway to conserve several key sites. Major threats to these wetlands were discussed, including encroachment and unplanned urbanization, drawing attention to the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules of India. The upcoming World Wetlands Day celebration on February 2 at Yaral Pat will focus on traditional knowledge and indigenous conservation practices to enhance conservation efforts. Various colleges participated, presenting the importance of merging traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods for sustainable wetland management.
Imphal