UKHRUL: Under the global theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” International Biodiversity Day 2026 was observed in Manipur on Friday at Modern College, Imphal East, with speakers raising concern over biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation in the State.
The observance also featured an environmental awareness programme jointly organised by the EIACP (Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme) Hub Manipur under the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), along with the Modern College Environmental Club, NSS Units I & II, and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Modern College.
Addressing the gathering, EIACP Hub Manipur Coordinator Mohd Habibullah Khan of DoECC warned that nearly 60 to 70 percent of global species are under threat due to human activities. Referring to Manipur’s ecological challenges, he said the State fish Pengba is on the verge of extinction despite ongoing conservation efforts.
He also highlighted the disappearance of medicinal plants, the deteriorating condition of rivers such as Nambul and Imphal, and the degradation of wetlands including Loktak Lake. Citing increasing pollution levels, Khan mentioned that more than 40 truckloads of empty plastic bottles had recently been recovered from the Ithai Barrage area. He further noted that environmental degradation has contributed to the spread of diseases such as dengue in Manipur.
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IQAC Coordinator of Modern College N Bubhon Singh stated that excessive exploitation of natural resources is accelerating species extinction and urged citizens to adopt local conservation efforts in line with this year’s theme. In her presidential address, Principal of Modern College N Romabati Devi described biodiversity loss as one of the most pressing concerns facing Manipur today. She pointed to the extinction of several fish species, rising river pollution, and worsening air quality as indicators of the growing environmental crisis.
Earlier, Junior Research Officer Mayanglambam Muni Singh of the Environment Department delivered the welcome and keynote address, while EIACP Hub Manipur Information Officer Romila Devi proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a collective appeal for grassroots action to conserve Manipur’s rivers, wetlands, forests, and native species for future generations.