In a dual-location initiative reflecting the global theme of wetland conservation for human wellbeing and ecological health, Assam Rifles observed World Wetlands Day through community-driven environmental actions at Komlakhong and Moreh. World Wetlands Day, observed every year on February 2, marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 and raises global awareness about the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, preventing floods, storing carbon, and supporting livelihoods.
At Komlakhong in Imphal West, Assam Rifles collaborated with forest department officials and thirty local residents to execute a spirited plantation drive. The collective effort resulted in the planting of 200 saplings of native species, including sal, teak, and bamboo, along the wetland fringes. This initiative was specifically designed to enhance biodiversity, mitigate soil erosion, and restore natural habitats vital for water purification and flood control within Manipur’s delicate ecosystem. The event was further enriched by awareness sessions highlighting the critical necessity of community involvement in preserving regional ecological hotspots.
Simultaneously, at S Moljol Primary School in the border town of Moreh, Tengnoupal District, the force engaged the younger generation through a competitive awareness quiz. Thirty-eight students demonstrated remarkable knowledge regarding ecosystem services and the threats posed to wetlands by human activities. By rewarding top performers and conducting educational briefings for students and faculty, the initiative successfully fostered a sense of environmental responsibility in a remote border region.
