Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh has reiterated the government’s commitment to restore water bodies to conserve rare flora and fauna of Manipur. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Kombirei Festival -2021’ held at Epathoukok Comlex, Lamphelpat in Imphal Monday.
The deputy chief minister said that with the changing times, there has been a number of activities which affects the environment, resulting changes in natural habitat of ethnic flora and fauna of Manipur. Climate change is also a great factor affecting the natural vegetation to survive in its best habitation, he said.
In view of such factors which affect many wild species, the state government is trying to restore and conserve wetlands in the state. Restoration of Lamphelpat water body is priority to conserve the natural habitat of ethnic flowers like Kombirei.
Kombirei - the ethnic flower of the state - is deeply associated with the cultural folklore of Manipur which needs special care and attention to conserve it from extinction. The flower has a special place in the cultural history of Manipur like in Sajibu Nongmapanba - Cheiraoba. Therefore, scientific research should be conducted to find out the best suitable ways for ensuring its best habitat and multiplication, he said.
The deputy chief minister, who is also in-charge of Science & Technology, assured the gathering that the required funding to conduct scientific research especially for Kombirei will be made. He also appealed the people to cooperate with the government’s initiatives to conserve environment in the days to come.
Joykumar Singh also released a half-yearly journal- ‘Likhun’ in the inaugural ceremony of the two-day festival which will end on Tuesday.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) RK Ranjan Singh while speaking at the function said, “In view of the changing climatic conditions, it is time to make all out efforts to conserve environment”.
The Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also committed for the restoration of wetlands in the country and many programmes and schemes have been implemented, he added.
Ranjan also stressed the need to conduct scientific research to conserve Kombirei and exuded confidence that he will help to approve projects regarding conservation of such rare species whenever pursued by the concerned departments and agencies to the Central Ministries.
Kangjam Radhakumar Singh also spoke on the importance of conservation of Kombirei. Artistes performed penna and khulang esei on the occasion.
