2nd Feb, World Wetlands Day was joyously commemorated under the theme “Wetlands & Human Well Being” at the serene Doyang Wetland Reservoir. The event, meticulously organized by the Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division of the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, resonated with a call for urgent action to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
During the event, PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden and Nodal Officer State Wetland, Vedpal Singh, voiced profound concern over the alarming statistic that nearly 90 percent of wetlands have succumbed to pollution and degradation over the past three years. He emphasized the critical need for immediate measures to preserve these invaluable ecosystems and their surrounding environment.
Chief Conservator of Forest, Supongnukshi, acknowledged the dwindling fish population in the Doyang area and identified issues such as saltation as contributing factors. He underscored the pivotal role of communities in conserving natural resources, emphasizing their responsibility in nurturing and protecting these precious habitats.
In light of the declining fish populations in Doyang, Range Forest Officer Wokha Lansothung Lotha commended the proactive stance taken by Tsungiki and Philimi village councils. They resolved to safeguard the river by prohibiting detrimental activities such as explosive and chemical fishing, the use of generator batteries, employing multiple hooks for fishing, and the use of drag nets.
Lansothung urged all 20 villages bordering the Doyang Reservoir Wetland to follow suit and adopt similar resolutions, fostering a collective effort towards the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
The celebration of World Wetlands Day at Doyang Wetland Reservoir served as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between wetlands and human well-being, highlighting the urgent need for concerted action to ensure their sustainable preservation for generations to come.