IT News
Chandel, Dec 11:
Chandel’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) marked the 20th World Mountain Day today with a celebration under the theme “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future” at Anallon Christian Institute, Lambung, Chandel. The event was attended by students, teachers, and staff from the institute and the Chandel Forest Division.
During the awareness program, DFO Dr. N. Munal Meitei emphasized the importance of observing World Mountain Day, noting that mountains make up 90% of Manipur’s geography. He described mountains and hills as ancient treasures of the region. He highlighted that forests cover 27% of the land, playing a crucial role in water, air, and biodiversity conservation. Given that mountains supply two-thirds of the world’s fresh water, they are aptly referred to as the “Water Towers of the Planet.”
Dr. Munal further explained that mountains offer renewable energy opportunities such as hydroelectric power, wind, and solar energy. Tourism also benefits greatly from mountains, contributing 18% to global tourism and attracting millions of visitors annually. Beyond energy and tourism, mountains serve as sanctuaries for biodiversity and cultural heritage.
He also noted that 80% of food crops worldwide originate from mountain ecosystems, with six out of twenty key crops cultivated in mountainous regions.
However, he raised concerns about challenges faced by mountains, including deforestation, illegal logging, climate change, soil erosion, landslides, and water scarcity. The increasing threat of plastic pollution in mountain areas was also highlighted as a growing issue.
Dr. Munal concluded by urging people to take collective action to conserve forests, reduce deforestation, and protect biodiversity. He called for meaningful participation in celebrating World Mountain Day, aiming to preserve Manipur’s precious mountains and hills, particularly in the Chandel District.
