Imphal, October 17: The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, inaugurated a two-day Indian Himalayan Region Climate Change Conclave on Thursday at the City Convention Centre, Imphal.
The event, themed “Perspectives of Research, Practice, Policy, and Communication”, aims to strengthen regional collaboration and develop strategic responses to the growing challenges posed by climate change in the Himalayan region.
Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while Shri Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change), presided over the function.
In his keynote address, Dr. Goel emphasized that the conclave marks a significant step toward enhancing cooperation among the Himalayan states to promote sustainable development and climate resilience. He pointed out that the Himalayan region remains highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among scientists, researchers, and policymakers.
Speaking on Manipur’s unique geographical vulnerabilities, Dr. Goel noted that the state faces direct impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and frequent flooding, which threaten agriculture, water resources, public health, and livelihoods. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing adaptive and community-based measures to mitigate these impacts.
Dr. Goel also lauded the Directorate’s ongoing initiatives to integrate traditional knowledge with modern climate practices through pilot projects focused on ecosystem restoration, wetland conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and protection of natural resources. He further mentioned that the state is actively managing and conserving five major wetlands—Yaral Pat, Utra Pat, Yaimeng Lake, Waithou-Pumlen-Koidum Pat, and Loktak Lake—as part of its broader climate mitigation efforts.
