UKHRUL: A high-level panel discussion on water insecurity in Manipur was held at Manipur University, Canchipur, on Tuesday, where experts, academics and civil society representatives deliberated on sustainable solutions to the state’s growing water crisis.
Titled “Wetlands and Rivers for Water Scarcity,” the event was hosted by the Department of Earth Sciences in collaboration with INTACH Manipur Chapter and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS).
The panel featured prominent personalities including Ranjan Singh, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Higher Education, and Huidrom Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NEIST Manipur. Academic representatives from the host department included Soibam Ibotombi Singh, Yumkhaibam Rjesh and Maibam Bidyanada. Other panellists comprised Dr. RK Chingkhei (DMU), Yumnam Jiten (CRAM), AIMS Director Dr. Atom Sunil, Bashispatimayum Deben Sharma of the Inter-Faith Forum, and former NEFI consultant O. Somorendro.
During the discussion, participants reached a strong consensus that Manipur is currently grappling with severe water insecurity. The crisis, they observed, is largely driven by human activities such as indiscriminate deforestation for agriculture, illegal timber trade and poppy cultivation. Unregulated riverbed sand mining and rapid urbanisation have further intensified the problem.
Natural factors were also identified as compounding the situation. The state’s geomorphology limits water retention in hill regions, while siltation of rivers and wetlands has significantly reduced storage capacity. Climate change was cited as a broader force exacerbating both water scarcity and declining water quality.
Following extensive deliberations, the panel adopted a series of key resolutions aimed at addressing the crisis in a structured and scientific manner. Participants emphasised that wetlands and rivers must form the backbone of Manipur’s long-term water security strategy. They called for a comprehensive scientific study of local rivers and wetlands to create a detailed database mapping their vulnerabilities, strengths and basin-level characteristics.
The panel further resolved that future discussions should move beyond general assessments and adopt a targeted, basin-specific approach to identify precise causes of localised water insecurity. Subsequent consultations, they noted, must focus on concrete mitigation strategies, including the revival of traditional practices such as dredging where appropriate.
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Concerns were also raised regarding possible constitutional and institutional overlaps that may hinder effective governance. The participants urged authorities to examine jurisdictional discrepancies and streamline responsibilities. A review of existing environmental policies was recommended, particularly those concerning riverbed sand mining, deforestation and illegal poppy cultivation, with an emphasis on stricter enforcement by relevant departments.
The organisers also resolved to work closely with government departments in future engagements to ensure policy alignment and coordinated action. The final findings of the proposed scientific study will be compiled and formally submitted to the Government of Manipur as an official policy recommendation document to address the state’s deepening water crisis.