Manipur the ‘Jewel of India’ or the ‘Switzerland of the East’ has so many peculiar features. Endemic plants, animals and scenic beauties regardless of any exaggeration, will always be pristine. The state which lies between the 230 80’ N – 25068’ N and 930 03’ E – 940 78’ E at the North East extreme of India, nestling at an altitude of about 790 m above the mean sea level was guarded naturally by nine ranges of hills. Although, Manipur is a small state (area = 22,327 Sq. Kms), the species endemism are surprising large. The climate, topography, and geographical conditions are somewhat different from the rest of the world, determining the large number of biological diversity in this state. Adding more to its beauty like a sparkling diamond amongst the pearls, a beautiful lake known as “Loktak Lake” shines at the center of the state. Loktak (LOK = stream + TAK = the end) is the journey end of several streams and rivers. It is also a pulsating lake, which is about 500 Sq. Kms during rainy season and 250 Sq. kms during winter and is proud to be the largest fresh water lake in the northeastern region of India.

Energy plays a pervasive and critically important role in the socio-economy and development of a country. The Sun provides energy that can be captured in the form of solar power, wind power and hydropower. These alternative energy, on a world basis, account for approximately 12% of energy consumption. These sources have the advantage of being inexhaustible and are generally associated with minimal environmental degradation. However, there is a need for more R&D for development of efficient technologies, and the public awareness of the use of renewable energy resources.

Antarctica holds 75% of the world’s fresh water. It is free from pollution. It also has enormous amount of natural resources such as fresh water, flora and fauna, minerals, oil, coal etc. It is believed that Antarctic continent have large deposits of minerals, oils (~45,000 million barrels and ~115 trillion cubic feet of gas) and coal (~11% of the world’s total). This can be ascertained by using sophisticated modern technique for resource assessment. As of now, mining is banned in Antarctica. The member nations of Antarctic Treaty (1959) have signed the treaty for non-exploitation of Antarctic resources and helps in keeping the continent free of conflicts. However, due to increasing human population and the need for resources in future, it is obvious that by the year 2040, Antarctica will become the final target for various resources exploitations.

East Antarctica is a unique and fragile ecosystem with very low species diversity for both plant and animal kingdom. No higher life forms exist, however, lower forms of plants and invertebrate organisms are believed to be surviving there since millions of years. However, they are under constant threat from external influences.

Man has already proved that unchecked, unregulated exploitation of seals and whales have indirectly taken many other species of organisms to the endangered levels. This means, what constructive work nature did in millions of years, man was able to destroy it in just couple of decades. Today, with technological advancements, the danger to nature has grown [...]

Today we stand at the threshold of a major change in our approach to environment issues. Antarctica and Himalayas, the coldest and the windiest place in the world are now a source of endless concern and controversy. It is unique in every sphere and is a common heritage of all the human kind. Politically, Antarctica [...]

Today we stand at the threshold of a major change in our approach to environment issues. Antarctica and Himalayas, the coldest and the windiest place in the world are now a source of endless concern and controversy. It is unique in every sphere and is a common heritage of all the human kind. Politically, Antarctica [...]