A look at impact of change in rainfall pattern
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 7 : The impact of climate change is steadily increasing worldwide, and Manipur is no exception as the State has also been experiencing rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to unprecedented hardships for the people.
This shift has led to frequent flooding, as seen this year and in previous years, with devastating consequences.
Incidents such as houses being swept away at Khurai Heikrumakhong and the inundation of Khwairamband Keithel highlight the severity of the situation.
A flood victim told The Sangai Express that the breaching or overflowing of rivers has become a regular problem in Manipur, leaving those living near riverbanks increasingly vulnerable.
He said that the State could face floods every year if no corrective action is taken.
Another flood victim shared that his farm was inundated just before the harvest season on September 17 this year, when the Imphal River breached at Wangoi Mamang Khaidem.
He expressed concern that he could face similar disruptions in the future.
Dr Konthoujam Khelchandra, an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Manipur University, explained that the shortening of the winter season and changes in rainfall patterns are clear signs of climate change.
If this trend persists, Manipur might bid adieu to winter in the coming years, he warned.
Noting that change in rainfall patterns, coupled with inadequate drainage facilities, has led to widespread flooding in the State, he warned that the severity of the floods could increase in the coming years.
He also emphasized that environmental degradation significantly contributes to climate change.
Further, he stated that extreme weather pose a serious threat to public health, citing the widespread Dengue outbreak in Manipur this year as a clear indication of climate change's impact.
Dengue, once considered a seasonal disease, is now reported year-round in Manipur, he added.
Dr Khelchandra also pointed out that the Government's developmental projects, often carried out without proper planning, are exacerbating the hardships of the people.
For instance, he said that the construction of roads at increasingly higher elevations compared to residential areas is raising the likelihood of flooding.
Saying that dust generated from roads is also posing a serious threat to public health, he added that developmental projects must be carried out with proper planning.
Dr Arati Ningombam, a Senior Scientist in Entomology at ICAR NEH Lamphel, stated that climate change is increasing the likelihood of both floods and droughts.
She explained that rising temperatures are boosting insect populations, while the disappearance of natural predators of these insects like frogs and birds is disrupting the ecological balance.
Unplanned urbanization is also contributing to climate change, she said and added that flooding in low-lying areas is primarily caused by the lack of proper drainage facilities.
Notably, the global surface temperature in the 2011-2020 decade was approximately 1.1 degree Celsius higher than the 1850-1900 as per an assessment report published by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Many species will disappear, and food production will decline if global warming continues, the report also said.
IMPHAL, Dec 7 : The impact of climate change is steadily increasing worldwide, and Manipur is no exception as the State has also been experiencing rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to unprecedented hardships for the people.
This shift has led to frequent flooding, as seen this year and in previous years, with devastating consequences.
Incidents such as houses being swept away at Khurai Heikrumakhong and the inundation of Khwairamband Keithel highlight the severity of the situation.
A flood victim told The Sangai Express that the breaching or overflowing of rivers has become a regular problem in Manipur, leaving those living near riverbanks increasingly vulnerable.
He said that the State could face floods every year if no corrective action is taken.
Another flood victim shared that his farm was inundated just before the harvest season on September 17 this year, when the Imphal River breached at Wangoi Mamang Khaidem.
He expressed concern that he could face similar disruptions in the future.
Dr Konthoujam Khelchandra, an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Manipur University, explained that the shortening of the winter season and changes in rainfall patterns are clear signs of climate change.
If this trend persists, Manipur might bid adieu to winter in the coming years, he warned.
Noting that change in rainfall patterns, coupled with inadequate drainage facilities, has led to widespread flooding in the State, he warned that the severity of the floods could increase in the coming years.
He also emphasized that environmental degradation significantly contributes to climate change.
Further, he stated that extreme weather pose a serious threat to public health, citing the widespread Dengue outbreak in Manipur this year as a clear indication of climate change's impact.
Dengue, once considered a seasonal disease, is now reported year-round in Manipur, he added.
Dr Khelchandra also pointed out that the Government's developmental projects, often carried out without proper planning, are exacerbating the hardships of the people.
For instance, he said that the construction of roads at increasingly higher elevations compared to residential areas is raising the likelihood of flooding.
Saying that dust generated from roads is also posing a serious threat to public health, he added that developmental projects must be carried out with proper planning.
Dr Arati Ningombam, a Senior Scientist in Entomology at ICAR NEH Lamphel, stated that climate change is increasing the likelihood of both floods and droughts.
She explained that rising temperatures are boosting insect populations, while the disappearance of natural predators of these insects like frogs and birds is disrupting the ecological balance.
Unplanned urbanization is also contributing to climate change, she said and added that flooding in low-lying areas is primarily caused by the lack of proper drainage facilities.
Notably, the global surface temperature in the 2011-2020 decade was approximately 1.1 degree Celsius higher than the 1850-1900 as per an assessment report published by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Many species will disappear, and food production will decline if global warming continues, the report also said.