Imphal: Manipur has 134 wetlands across its 16 districts, of which 27 have been proposed for conservation, said Tourangbam Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment and Climate Change, on Friday.
He was speaking at a state-level symposium for college students on the theme of World Wetlands Day 2026, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” held at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Porompat, Imphal East.
Singh noted that wetlands provide vital ecosystem services and act as the “natural kidneys” of the environment by regulating the water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods through fisheries, agriculture, medicinal plants, and phumdi-based practices.
Several wetlands, including Utra Pat, Yaral Pat, and Waithou–Phumnou Pat, have already been notified and made public, while Jaimeng Wetland (Kangpokpi), Kachouphung/Achau Maki Wetland (Kamjong), Pumlen–Khoidum Pat (Kakching), Ikop–Kharung Pat (Thoubal), and Kakching Wetland are under consideration.
The Director also highlighted major threats to wetlands, such as encroachment, land reclamation, unplanned urbanization, tourism-related construction, and inadequate drainage systems, which lead to ecosystem degradation.
He referred to India’s Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, which emphasize the sustainable use of water, fish, aquatic plants, and other natural resources.
The symposium was moderated by Koijam KK. Manibhishan Singh, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Dhanamanjuri University (DMU). Jury members included Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Manipur University; W. Roshan Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board; and senior journalist Irengbam Arun.
Students from various colleges, including TS Paul Women’s College, Manipur Institute of Technology, Kakching Khunou College, DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, Kha Manipur College, Moirang College, Modern College, Standard College, and DM College of Arts, participated in the event.
Participants highlighted the cultural and environmental importance of wetlands and stressed the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for sustainable conservation.