The inaugural function of the 3rd Inter-Departmental Roundtable Conference on Spring Shed Management was held today at the Science PG Block Conference Room of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Imphal. The conference is jointly organised by Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, and the Forest Department, Government of Manipur.
The event was graced by Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh, Vice-Chancellor, DMU, as Chief Guest; L. Joykumar Singh, Project Director, Community-based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) and Chief Conservator of Forests, as President; and Y. Homendro Singh, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in nurturing students and scholars as effective ambassadors for their communities and society. He emphasised that coordinated efforts among universities, government departments and local stakeholders are essential for the success and sustainability of spring shed management initiatives.
Highlighting the leadership role of the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, Prof. Chandbabu stressed the need for strong inter-departmental collaboration involving departments such as Water Resources (Jal Shakti), Land Resources, Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He noted that integrated action and close coordination with academic institutions would significantly enhance the impact of government initiatives aligned with the national vision on spring shed management.
Expressing confidence, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the third roundtable conference would serve as an effective platform for developing a clear and practical roadmap, with the potential to influence policy decisions of both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India. He added that the conference proceedings would contribute meaningfully towards ensuring water security, quality water supply, soil conservation and sustainable livelihoods for the people. He further remarked that the upcoming technical sessions would provide valuable insights into the implementation aspects of spring shed management and urged participants to actively engage in the deliberations.
Speaking as President of the function, L. Joykumar Singh stated that the third inter-departmental roundtable on community-based sustainable forest management for water resource conservation focused on spring shed management and the revival of drying springs in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. Initiated in 2019, the project prioritises conservation of forest catchment areas to address growing water scarcity. He highlighted increasing environmental challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, biodiversity loss and seasonal water shortages, noting that many springs have already dried up or are showing reduced discharge. He emphasised the need for integrated action, inter-departmental coordination and community participation to ensure sustainable water security for future generations.
Guest of Honour Y. Homendro Singh highlighted the importance of spring shed management in ensuring water security in Manipur. He spoke about the Forest Department’s ongoing community-based sustainable forest management projects aimed at conserving watersheds feeding major rivers in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts. Expressing concern over the drying and changing nature of springs affecting hill communities, he stressed that spring rejuvenation requires scientific, catchment-based and inter-departmental approaches. He also underlined the significance of the first-ever Spring Census conducted under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which provides critical data for planning and prioritising restoration efforts.
The Guest of Honour concluded by emphasising that coordinated efforts among departments, supported by data-driven planning and active community participation, are vital for restoring spring flows and achieving long-term water security in the state.
As part of the roundtable conference, nodal officers of several directorates and departments were felicitated, followed by technical sessions. The sessions focused on the status of approval of the roadmap and institutionalisation of the roundtable, an overview of the spring shed management syllabus by Dhanamanjuri University, the Spring Census in Manipur, and the introduction of four working groups on the roadmap action plan. Experts shared technical insights during these sessions.
The conference witnessed active participation from officials and staff of various related government departments and institutions.
