Imphal: Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh has reiterated that Government is committed to restoring water bodies to conserve rare flora and fauna of Manipur. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Kombirei Festival -2021’ held Monday at Epathoukok Complex, Lamphelpat in Imphal.
Deputy Chief Minister said, with the changing times, there have been a number of activities which affect the environment, resulting in changes in the natural habitat of ethnic flora and faunas of Manipur. He said, climate change is also a great factor affecting the survival of natural vegetation in its habitation.
In view of these factors which affect many species, State Government is trying to restore and conserve wetlands in the State. Restoration of Lamphelpat water body is a priority to conserve the natural habitat of ethnic flowers like Kombirei.
Joykumar Singh further said that Kombirei – the ethnic flower is associated with the cultural folklore of Manipur. There is a need for special care and attention to conserve this precious flower 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.
Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of Science & Technology assured the gathering that the required funding to conduct scientific research, especially, on 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 days festival which will end on April 13, 2021.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr R K Ranjan Singh while speaking at the function said, in view of the changing climatic conditions, it is time to make all out effort to conserve the environment. He said, the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is also committed for the restoration of wet lands in the country and many programmes and schemes have been implemented.
Dr Singh also stressed the need to conduct scientific research to conserve Kombirei- the ethnic flower of Manipur and assured that he will definitely help to approve projects regarding the conservation of such rare species whenever pursued by the concerned departments and agencies to the Central Ministries.
Kangjam Radhakumar Singh (Retd-IAS) also spoke on the importance of conservation of Kombirei. Artists performed penna and khulang esei on the occasion.
