Hon’ble Governor of Manipur Shri Arun Kumar Bhalla asserts that students are ambassadors for carrying forward the message of climate change.
Manipur University, 26 February 2025 – Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Arun Kumar Bhalla, called for collaborative efforts in conserving natural resources and sustaining the cultural heritage and identities of Manipur. He made this statement while addressing the inaugural function as the Chief Guest at the National Conference on Implications of Climate Change & Conservation of Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage (NCICCNRCH) on 26th February 2025 at the Auditorium, Manipur University.
The three-day conference was jointly organized by the Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University, Imphal, and the International Council for Biodeterioration of Cultural Property (ICBCP), Lucknow, along with various academic partners, including the National Institute of Ecology (International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences), Loktak Development Authority (Imphal), Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (Government of Manipur), and JIV (Mysore).
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arun Kumar Bhalla, Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, degradation of natural resources, and the impact on biodiversity and livelihoods. Citing the deterioration of Kangla Fort, a prominent historical monument of Manipur, he pointed out that climate change is visibly affecting cultural heritage. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of every citizen to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources. In his inspiring speech, he encouraged students to take up the role of ambassadors for the conservation of natural resources, including lakes and wetlands.
Further stressing collective efforts in climate change mitigation, he underscored the importance of governments, industries, academicians, researchers, students, and individuals working together to address climate change issues. He urged citizens to contribute towards conservation through actionable strategies and policies and reiterated that “everything is interconnected within an ecosystem, and resources are limited.”
Sharing his experience in the Power Sector, he elaborated on several conservation strategies, focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency in the power sector, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and the protection of the Himalayan ecosystem. He emphasized that even small steps, such as conserving electricity in daily life, can significantly impact energy conservation.
While discussing government initiatives in mitigating climate change, he acknowledged the State Government’s collaborative plans and projects to tackle climate change. He highlighted the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which includes key missions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. He also mentioned India’s ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ initiative, an ambitious project aimed at connecting international power grids to enable the global transfer of renewable energy. With 140 countries already part of this initiative, he emphasized its potential to create a global renewable energy ecosystem.
As part of conservation efforts, he advocated adopting Swachh Bharat Mission as a fundamental principle of conservation and stressed the need for public participation in resource conservation. Citing Loktak Lake and its declining size, he warned that if resources continue to be neglected, ecosystems will gradually disappear.
Concluding his speech, Shri Arun Kumar Bhalla applauded the conference organizers and expressed his belief that the event would be a significant step in addressing climate change. He highlighted its role as a platform for academicians, policymakers, environmentalists, and cultural heritage experts to deliberate, propose actionable strategies, and identify critical issues and solutions. He added that the recommendations emerging from the conference would provide meaningful inputs for policy frameworks and grassroots initiatives aimed at conservation.
Guest of Honour, Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, stated that the conference aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). He expressed confidence that the academic discussions would enhance understanding of regional climate challenges and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Prof. Singh also urged young scholars to study and examine the region’s natural resources, cultural practices, and sacred forests (Umang-Lai) from a conservation perspective.
Shri Anurag Bajpai (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, emphasized that climate change poses a severe threat to food security and water resources. He called for collaborative efforts among government agencies, academia, and communities to mitigate climate change. He also suggested community-based eco-tourism and partnerships between academia and government departments as effective mitigation strategies.
Additionally, Dr. Virendra Nath, former Chief Scientist, National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, and current President of ICBCP, Lucknow, highlighted the role of ICBCP’s multidisciplinary approaches in addressing climate change and conserving India’s rich biodiversity hotspots and UNESCO heritage sites. He advocated incorporating holistic conservation strategies into school and university curricula to preserve the nation’s cultural and natural heritage.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Debananda Singh Ningthoujam, Dean, School of Life Sciences, Manipur University, raised important questions about the impact of climate change and urged the restoration of the natural sanctity of Manipur’s ecosystems.
During the inaugural function, the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Arun Kumar Bhalla, released a Souvenir showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, an abstract book of the conference proceedings, and a reference book.
Special invitees included: Prof. Paonam Gunindro Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University of Culture, Imphal, Prof. D. V. L. N. Somayajulu, Director, National Institute of Technology, Manipur, Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, Dr. H. Nanaocha Sharma, Scientist F & Director (Addl. Charge), Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Shri Ng. Sanajaoba Meitei, Director, Loktak Development Authority, Manipur, Other distinguished academicians, policymakers, and representatives from social, cultural, and academic institutions.
The grand inaugural function witnessed the presence of university administrative heads, deans, directors, department heads, distinguished resource persons, research scholars, students, and faculty members from various institutions. Their participation underscored Manipur University’s commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
