Manipur Deputy CM Losii Dikho urges forest and spring conservation amid water crisis

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho highlighted a growing water shortage in the state, stating that while bullets can be purchased, clean water cannot. He urged the government and local communities to prioritize the preservation of forests and natural springs, which he said are vital sources of drinking water. Dikho emphasized that unchecked deforestation and neglect of spring ecosystems have exacerbated the scarcity, affecting agriculture and daily life across the region. He called for immediate policy measures, including stricter forest protection rules and community-led spring rejuvenation projects. The deputy CM appealed for public cooperation, noting that sustainable water security depends on collective stewardship of the state's natural resources.

Losii Dikho's remarks came during a press briefing in Imphal, where he also referenced recent drought conditions that have strained water supplies in several districts. He urged the state forest department to intensify monitoring and to involve local NGOs in restoration efforts. The deputy chief minister stressed that long‑term water resilience requires both governmental action and grassroots participation.

The call for conservation aligns with broader national initiatives to safeguard water bodies and forest cover, as climate variability intensifies across the Himalayas. Manipur's authorities are expected to draft a detailed action plan within weeks, responding to Dikho's demand for swift intervention.