Meet confers on spring shed management
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IMPHAL, Dec 15: The 3rd Inter-Departmental Conference on Spring Shed Management was held today at DMU PG Science Block under the aegis of DM University and Forest Department.
Prof W Chandbabu, Vice Chancellor, DMU; L Joykumar , Project Director, Community-based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) and Chief Conservator of Forests and Y Homendro, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department graced the opening session as chief guest, president and guest of honour.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof W Chandbabu said that spring shed management will remain a huge challenge without conserving water and soil health, and without creating public awareness and people’s participation in the same effort.
If spring shed management efforts are implemented successfully, it can address the issues of water scarcity, sustain soil health, conserve water and supply clean water to the public, he said.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts among universities, Government departments and local stakeholders are essential for the success and sustainability of spring shed management initiatives.
Highlighting the leadership role of the Forest Department, Prof Chandbabu stressed the need for strong inter-departmental collaboration involving departments such as Water Resources (Jal Shakti), Land Resources, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
He noted that integrated action and close coordination with academic institutions would significantly enhance the impact of Government initiatives aligned with the National vision on spring shed management.
He underscored the vital role of academic institutions in grooming students and scholars to become effective ambassadors of spring shed management for their communities and society at large.
L Joykumar Singh stated that the third inter-departmental round table on community-based sustainable forest management for water resource conservation was held in Manipur, focusing on spring-shed management and revival of drying springs in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
Initiated in 2019, the project prioritises conservation of forest catchment areas to address water scarcity, he added.
Joykumar highlighted growing environmental challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and seasonal water shortages, with many springs already dried up or showing reduced discharge.
He emphasised the need for integrated action and stressed inter-departmental coordination and community participation to ensure sustainable water security for future generations.
Y Homendro underscored the importance of spring shed management for ensuring water security in Manipur.
Expressing concern over the drying and changing nature of springs affecting hill communities, he emphasised that spring rejuvenation requires scientific, catchment-based, and inter-departmental approaches.
Homendro also noted the significance of the first-ever Spring Census conducted under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which provided vital data for planning and prioritising restoration efforts.
The conference was participated by nodal officers of several departments and DFOs of different districts.
Prof W Chandbabu, Vice Chancellor, DMU; L Joykumar , Project Director, Community-based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) and Chief Conservator of Forests and Y Homendro, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department graced the opening session as chief guest, president and guest of honour.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof W Chandbabu said that spring shed management will remain a huge challenge without conserving water and soil health, and without creating public awareness and people’s participation in the same effort.
If spring shed management efforts are implemented successfully, it can address the issues of water scarcity, sustain soil health, conserve water and supply clean water to the public, he said.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts among universities, Government departments and local stakeholders are essential for the success and sustainability of spring shed management initiatives.
Highlighting the leadership role of the Forest Department, Prof Chandbabu stressed the need for strong inter-departmental collaboration involving departments such as Water Resources (Jal Shakti), Land Resources, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
He noted that integrated action and close coordination with academic institutions would significantly enhance the impact of Government initiatives aligned with the National vision on spring shed management.
He underscored the vital role of academic institutions in grooming students and scholars to become effective ambassadors of spring shed management for their communities and society at large.
L Joykumar Singh stated that the third inter-departmental round table on community-based sustainable forest management for water resource conservation was held in Manipur, focusing on spring-shed management and revival of drying springs in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
Initiated in 2019, the project prioritises conservation of forest catchment areas to address water scarcity, he added.
Joykumar highlighted growing environmental challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and seasonal water shortages, with many springs already dried up or showing reduced discharge.
He emphasised the need for integrated action and stressed inter-departmental coordination and community participation to ensure sustainable water security for future generations.
Y Homendro underscored the importance of spring shed management for ensuring water security in Manipur.
Expressing concern over the drying and changing nature of springs affecting hill communities, he emphasised that spring rejuvenation requires scientific, catchment-based, and inter-departmental approaches.
Homendro also noted the significance of the first-ever Spring Census conducted under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which provided vital data for planning and prioritising restoration efforts.
The conference was participated by nodal officers of several departments and DFOs of different districts.