5th state level aquarium exhibition cum flower show begins

Imphal, March 19, 2018 (DIPR): Deputy Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Joykumar Singh today inaugurated 5^th State Level Aquarium Exhibition Cum Flower Show at Manipur Science Aquarium in D M College Campus, Imphal. The five days Exhibition Cum Flower Show will end on 24^th of this month.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of Science & Technology said, the initiative taken up by Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC) to showcase rearing of indigenous as well as exotic species of fishes is a very good step towards popularisation of conserving rare and nearing extinction indigenous species in the state. He said, nowadays many indigenous species both flora and fauna have not been found in abundance due to many activities destructing their habitations. Development of habitats would be the primary concern to conserve such species in our state. Therefore, rearing in ponds, streams and especially in running water should be encouraged to face the challenges of extinction, he added.

On floriculture, Shri Joykumar Singh said, it is an important hobby to give our mind free from stress and also it gives us pleasure as well. Although, we may not be able to take up floriculture in large scale, but at least we should try to develop gardening at our homes. It will give us the pleasure of refreshing our minds. He also lauded the efforts made by local entrepreneurs to develop floriculture in the state.

Secretary (Science & Technology) Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani said, attention has to be given to conserve indigenous flora and fauna and also to preserve rich biodiversity in the state. She said, biodiversity conservation should be the primary concern to all of us so that rare species can be conserved. She also appealed to the concerned authorities to create a database of the rare indigenous species (both flora & fauna) so that people can access through websites. She expressed confidence that such exhibition cum flower show would help people to contact more with the needs of nature.

Director of MASTEC Shri Th. Surendranath said the main objectives of this Centre are to study the behaviour of different fish species, to conserve the fish fauna of the state, to make aware of the available local fishes to the public and to create a place for recreation of the public. The exhibition cum show will open for public every day from 11 am to 7 pm till 24^th of this month. As many as 25 local and many exotic fish species have been rearing in Manipur Science Aquarium.