OBSERVATION OF "WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2021"
30-Jun-2021
The World Environment Day 2021 was observed by The Institution of Engineers (India) Manipur State Centre on the theme “Ecosystem Restoration” at the Seminar Hall of the State Centre and through online platform Google Meet amidst the pandemic situation in the State.
Er. Ningombam Shyamsundar Singh, FIE, Former Chairman JERC (Manipur & Mizoram) and Chairman (2018-2020 Session) IEI, Manipur SC graced the observation as the Theme Speaker.
The observation was attended by Corporate Members attached with the State Centre.
The observation was initiated both offline and online by welcoming the Theme Speaker, Chairman and the Corporate members by Dr. Thokchom Subhaschandra Singh, AMIE, Joint Hony. Secy., IEI Manipur State Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Er. N. Shyamsundar Singh, FIE spoke at length about the importance of restoring the ecosystem in the present context of Manipur and India. He mentioned that encashment of rivers and continuous deforestation contributed in climate change by destruction of the ecosystem, yet the flora and fauna play a major role in combating the climate change and stressed that they must be preserved at all cost. He mentioned that the Loktak lake of Manipur is at threat due to deposition of solid waste, plastic pollution, oil spillage etc. Such practice also led to diminishing of various other wetlands of Manipur, he added. Agricultural activities in poor soil conditions, deposition of toxic materials from artificial fertilizers like arsenic, lead also cause damage to Loktak lake. Non-regulated fisheries activities also damage the Loktak lake, he added. He further mentioned that the Global climate change has also greatly affected the ecosystem of Loktak lake and that preventive measures must be taken at the earliest to limit the amount of damage caused to the lake.
He suggested few measures which can be implemented for restoration of Loktak lake and such are: (1) strong determination of decision makers and general public, (2) human behavioral change through mass education and awareness of the general public, (3) estimation of actual size and demarcation of Loktak lake during full water/part water etc. He further mentioned that proper functioning and timely action by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) will strengthen the process of restoring Loktak lake. He emphasized the demarcation be made on the basis of comparison of the satellite images captured during the late 70’s and the correct image. He concluded by mentioning that climate change can only be successfully contended through mass education of general public and successful restoration of various ecosystems.
The Chairman of the State center, Er. Thangjam Joykumar Singh, FIE mentioned that various steps are being taken up by various authorities and much effort has been put for restoring the ecosystems and that the same be continued for successful implementation of ecosystem restoration. He mentioned that mass plantation of trees, cleaning of river basin and river course, etc. can help in restoring the ecosystem. He reminded the gathering about the UN announcement of declaring 2021-2030 as “Decade of ecosystem restoration” and that we should wholeheartedly contribute towards the cause. He further stated that the increase in population also causes mass deforestation and destruction of various ecosystem and such can be prevented through thorough planning and implementation of expansion mode like horizontal expansion, vertical expansion. He concluded by expressing the fact that each and everyone of us must commit ourselves in combating the climate change through innovative methods of restoring the environment & ecosystem.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Thokchom Subhaschandra Singh, AMIE, Joint Hony. Secy. of the State center.