Imphal, October 16: The Government of Manipur on Thursday inaugurated a Two-Day Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) Climate Change Conclave at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. Organized by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the conclave is being held from October 16 to 17, 2025, under the theme “Perspectives of Research, Practice, Policy, and Communication.”
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary of Manipur, who highlighted the importance of collaboration among Himalayan states to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable development. Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change), presided over the function.
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Addressing the participants, Dr. Goel stressed that Manipur, with its hills and valleys, faces direct impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and recurrent flooding, which affect agriculture, water resources, public health, livelihoods, and food security. He lauded the Department of Environment and Climate Change for implementing pilot projects that integrate traditional knowledge to strengthen community resilience, conserve ecosystems, protect water bodies and forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Goel also noted the state’s management of five major wetlands, Yaral Pat, Utra Pat, Yaimeng Lake, Waithou-Pumlen-Koidum Pat, and Loktak Lake, as part of nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change impacts. He expressed hope that the conclave would provide actionable recommendations to conserve and protect the Himalayan environment.
The first technical session, “Research and Knowledge Network,” chaired by Dr. N.H. Ravindranath (Retd., IISc Bengaluru), focused on advancing scientific understanding of climate change in the Himalayas. Discussions included gaps in climate data, modeling, and the integration of indigenous traditional knowledge, alongside case studies on glaciers, biodiversity, and water resources. Participants included experts and representatives from Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Manipur.
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The second technical session, “Practice and Innovations,” chaired by Dr. H. Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NEIST, Manipur, focused on climate-resilient practices. The session highlighted community-led adaptation models, sustainable lifestyles, circular waste management, innovative agricultural and forestry practices, and nature-based grassroots climate action. Panelists included representatives from Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, and experts from Manipur University and other research institutions.
The conclave has brought together high-level officials, scientists, researchers, and policymakers from across the Himalayan states and various departments of Manipur, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address climate change challenges in the region.