Seminar on "Inland waterways & riverine culture of NE India" kicks off

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 27 : A two-day national seminar on "Inland waterways and Riverine Culture of Northeast India" began today at the Lecture Hall of Economics Department, Manipur University, Canchipur.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Economics Department, Manipur University; Intellectual Forum of North East Manipur; Manipur Seva Samiti Imphal and Social Work Department, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Amarkantak (MP).
The inaugural function was graced by Prof N Lokendra, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University; Dr RK Ranjan, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Education; Dr Chingtham Chandramani, president, Manipur Seva Samiti and Prof Thoidingjam Purnima, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof N Lokendra said that wetlands are important ecosystems that provide many benefits to humans and the environment, including flood control, water purification, and biodiversity support.
He asserted that Manipur has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals and creeks which have been used for transporting goods and materials since ages.
Highlighting the need to rejuvenate the ancient inland waterways of the State, Prof N Lokendra said, "Revival of inland waterways can preserve many wetlands, lakes from the verge of extinction. It will also serve as a safety valve to prevent flood and drought in Manipur".
The seminar was conducted in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur; LDA and Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD).