IMPHAL, December 27: The Kombirei Environmental Development Organisation has been working hard to maintain the eco-diversity in Imphal East district and develop eco-tourist spots, said its secretary Bimolchandra today.
He said the organisation was formed by 11 of them in 2010.
Speaking to media persons during a visit to Yaralpat today, Bimolchandra said during his childhood days, the area was used for agricultural purpose and several migratory birds used to land there.
However, with the changing time, the lake has today shrunk considerably and been turned into a wasteland.
He said during 2010-11, the field owners decided to clean-up the lake and develop the area as an eco-tourism spot by encouraging green revolution in the surrounding fields.
Owing to the three-four years of tiring effort from the people, the lake has been cleaned and migratory birds have once against started landing here, he added.
He said they had also taken assistance from the Environment and Fishery departments and with support from UFO, local clubs like Eastern Sporting Association, Youth Development Committee has been trying to project the area of Yaral Pat Nongmaijing Hill range Tensit Chonjil (Chingkhei Ching) to conserve the wetland.
The organisation, he said has also restricted hunting of migratory birds and wild animals, and deforestation in the area.
He said their aim is not only to develop the area into an eco-tourism spot, but also to integrate farming for livelihood of the people of the area.
Today, the lake is once more a water source throughout the year, he said.
He continued green revolution will also be successful once proper irrigation is constructed, he said.
He said they have also started planting Kombirei (flower) – which is the most important identity of Yaralpat, since about a year back.
He said although they have received technical and machinery assistance from the Environment and Fishery departments, they have not received any financial package from the government till date.
At the same time, the Environment department has assured to prepare a DPR which will be submitted to the DoNER Ministry to upgrade the area into a tourism spot of the district.