In a bid to safeguard the rare Siroi Lily and Kombirei flowers from extinction, the Manipur government plans rigorous laboratory and field studies. Dr. T Brajakumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change, announced this initiative during the International Day of Biological Diversity ceremony at the State Botanical Garden, Khongampat. The theme, “Be Part of the Plan,” echoed the urgency.
Recognized as Manipur’s state flower, the Siroi Lily and the culturally significant Kombirei flower face extinction threats. Dr. Brajakumar stressed the need for detailed studies to devise preservation methods.
Addressing invasive species’ impact on the state’s ecosystem, Dr. Brajakumar highlighted efforts to assess and document Manipur’s rich biodiversity, endangered due to invasive species and habitat degradation.
MH Khan, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to biodiversity preservation. Initiatives include river cleaning efforts for rivers like Nambul, Kongba, and Imphal.
Dr. H Birkumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NEIST, voiced concerns over endemic species extinction, emphasizing urgent preservation efforts to maintain biodiversity.
Dr. Kh Samungou, Chairman of the State Wetlands Authority Technical Committee, underscored habitat degradation and climate change as major threats. He urged collective efforts for effective biodiversity conservation.
