The Department of Geography, Manipur University observed World Wetlands Day 2026 on Monday at the lakeshore of Loktak Lake, aligning with the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”

The programme aimed to raise awareness on wetland conservation through community engagement and to understand local perspectives on the preservation and restoration of Loktak Lake. Teachers and students of the Department of Geography actively participated in the observance.

As part of the programme, faculty members and students interacted with local elders and community leaders. Addressing the gathering, Oinam Rajen, Secretary of the All Loktak Lake Area Fishers Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), expressed concern over the deteriorating ecological condition of the lake and its adverse impact on local livelihoods. He pointed out that pollution sources now include not only solid waste and plastics but also biomedical waste and microplastics detected in lake organisms. He further suggested that problems such as phumdi proliferation and declining water quality could be mitigated if the Ithai Barrage is opened for at least 90 days annually.

A lakeshore cleanliness drive was also organised during the event, during which participants collected recyclable plastic bottles and other waste materials and deposited them at designated collection centres.

Observing World Wetlands Day outside the university campus reflected this year’s theme and reinforced Manipur University’s commitment to community-based academic engagement, an approach encouraged by the university leadership under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh.