Theme 3-20-Impact of cultural stresses on lentic water bodies of Imphal, Manipur

Abstract

In Manipur (longitude 9303E to 9478E and latitude 2383N to 2586N), India, lentic water bodies have served for food, nutrition and environmental security since centuries. In a study conducted on few lentic water bodies at Imphal, Manipur the biotic and abiotic variables were studied. The vegetational analysis revealed presence of 3 communities; community co-efficient, similarity indices, diversity indices, distribution pattern of vegetation were analysed. The various physico-chemical parameters of water and sediment were assessed. The study revealed that the economic activities of human beings viz. utilization of water for agriculture, domestic purposes, aqua culture including over exploitation of aquatic plants have resulted in cultural stresses affecting the characteristics of water bodies. The paper advocates for integrated management of these water bodies involving the communities.