The Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland observed World Wetlands Day at Doyang Wetland Reservoir on Friday under the theme “Wetlands and Human Well Being.” Ved Pal Singh, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden and Nodal Officer, State Wetland was the Special Guest during the occasion.
In his address, Singh emphasized the importance of World Wetlands Day in promoting global conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. He stressed that wetlands are vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and overall environmental health.
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Expressing concerns that wetlands have suffered an alarming 90 per cent pollution and degradation in the past three years, the PCCF urged the gathering to make proactive efforts to conserve them and the environment.
Ved Pal Singh installed a signage on World Wetlands Day at Doyang Reservoir Wetland on the occassion.
Speaking on the theme of the program “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” Range Forest Officer (RFO), Wokha, Lansothung Lotha explained the significant contributions wetlands make to the environment.
Sharing concerns over the declining fish populations in Doyang, the RFO lauded Tsungiki and Philimi village councils for taking positive steps to protect the river by prohibiting harmful activities like explosive and chemical fishing, use of generator batteries, using multiple hooks for fishing and using drag nets. He further appealed to the other villages along the Doyang River to adopt similar resolutions for promoting sustainable development. Lotha talked about the pressing issue of siltation and urges the villagers not to cut trees unnecessarily.
Concerns over siltation and declining fish population was also brought up by Chief Conservator of Forest, Supongnukshi, IFS, in his speech. In this regard, he stressed for responsible resource utilization. The CCF said that collaborative efforts with departments like National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) are essential for conservation but the crucial role must be played by people of the villages.
Earlier in his welcome address, Suman W M Sivachar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wokha and Doyang, highlighted that there are only 80 Ramsar sites (wetlands) in India and just four in the North East. He highlighted the advantages of a wetland being declared a Ramsar site and said that the increased focus and attention of a Ramsar site brings additional benefits to the communities and local people supporting conservation efforts in the district and the area.
20 villages from the area, along with the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV School) and Team Eco Warriors, participated in the program. A drawing competition was also conducted to commemorate the occasion.
