CRA decries tagging conservation area to Pumlen Pat

IMPHAL, Feb 15
Fearing drastic impacts on the livelihood of villagers depen-ding on Pumlen Pat, the Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), Manipur  has raised serious concern on announcement of the wetland as conservation area by the Manipur State Wetland Authority.
Denouncing the declaration of Pumlen Pat, the second largest freshwater lake in the State after Loktak, as conservation area and second home for Sangai by the Government without consulting the stakeholders concerned, CRA in a statement today contended that the move would be infringing upon the rights of the locals.
It also criticised the Forest Department's move to declare the wetland as reserved forest area. While conservation of Sangai is important, the proposed declaration of Pumlen Pat as reserved forest area will result in violation of human rights, CRA asserted.
The area demarcated for conservation and setting up of second home of Sangai in Pumlen Pat is vast and it will impact the livelihood of the villages - Waikhong, Lamjao, Sekmaijin, Waba-gai, Arong, Nongmaikhong, Tera, Langmeidong and several others in the periphery of the wetland, CRA said adding most of the villagers earn their livelihood from the wetland by farming, fishing and collecting seasonal vegetation.
The Meitei people have intrinsic physical and cultural relationship with the Pumlen Pat and abodes of many deities of cultural significance such as Nongpok Ningthou and Haoreima Goddess are in the wetland. Varieties of traditional herbs and medicines that have usage in traditional rituals and ceremonies are collected from the hillocks and wetlands within Pumlen Pat, said CRA.
Urging the Government, specially the Loktak Development Authority and the Forest Department to desist from declaring the Pumlen Pat as forest area or wetland conservation area or second home of Sangai, CRA advised that the community's rights and role in sustainable wetland management should be recognised in conserving the wetland.
Government should take prior and informed consent of all  stakeholders in all projects and activities concerning Pumlen Pat, CRA added.
Reminding the impact of Ithai Barrage and Loktak Hydroelectric projects on the people, CRA also appealed Government to decommission these projects.