The Department of Geography, Manipur University observed World Wetlands Day 2026 at the lakeshore of Loktak Lake, in line with the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” The objective of the programme was to raise awareness about wetland conservation through community engagement and to understand local perspectives on the preservation and restoration of Loktak Lake. The programme was attended by teachers and students of the Department of Geography, Manipur University. During the observance, faculty members and students interacted with local elders and community leaders. One local leader, Shri Oinam Rajen, Secretary, All Loktak Lake Area Fishers Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), highlighted the deteriorating ecology of the lake and its direct impact on local livelihoods. He noted that sources of pollution now include not only solid waste and plastics, but also biomedical waste and microplastics found in lake organisms and suggested that issues such as phumdi proliferation and declining water quality could be addressed if the Ithai Barrage is opened for at least 90 days a year.
A lakeshore cleaning drive was also conducted as part of the programme, during which recyclable plastic bottles and other waste materials were collected and deposited at designated collection centres.
Observing World Wetlands Day outside the university campus reflects this year’s theme and aligns with Manipur University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based academic engagement, an approach encouraged by the University leadership under the guidance of Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University.
