The Seventh State Level Aquarium Exhibition-cum-Flower Show in Imphal witnessed a display of 25 local indigenous and 40 exotic fish species and 80 varieties of plants.
The exhibition, organised with the aim to conserve the indigenous fishes and plants of Manipur, was held at the premises of Manipur Science Aquarium at DM College campus in Imphal West.
Organised by the Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC), Imphal in collaboration with local (aquarium and floriculture) entrepreneurs, the exhibition which started on February 10 concluded on Wednesday.
(PHOTO: IFP)
The objectives of the exhibition are also to popularise the aquarium and floriculture in the state and to spread awareness on the available local fishes and plants to the public, said scientific officer of MASTEC RK Pritamjit while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the exhibition.
Pritamjit pointed out that local indigenous fish of the state such as Pengba, Ngaton, Nganap, Ngakijou and others are becoming endangered, so there is an immediate need to take up measures to conserve the local fish species.
Contending that unlike the exotic fishes, the indigenous fishes are difficult to rear in an aquarium as they are habited in muddy water bodies, he said the scientists of MASTEC are researching on the techniques for their adaptation in the aquarium. Many people are interested to witness the indigenous fishes in the aquarium, he added.
The exhibition displayed 25 local indigenous and 40 exotic fish species and 80 varieties of plants including indigenous, exotic and bonsai. Artificial flowers, nachom and other decorative items made from by using cocoons and other materials were also displayed.
All together, 12 aquarium entrepreneurs and 11 floriculture entrepreneurs took part in the exhibition.
As a part of the exhibition, a spot painting competition was also held on February 13 under three categories: sub-junior (class III to V), junior (class VI to VIII) and senior (class IX and X).
The first position in the sub-junior category was bagged by Brikrama Lourembam (class V) of the Comprehensive School, Oinam; Glorie Gurumayum (class VIII) of Nirmalabas High School bagged the first position in junior category and Presila Heikrujam (class IX) of Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Imphal bagged the first position in the senior category.
Children, students, scholars and other visitors suggested organising such an exhibition every year with more local plants and fishes.
The Manipur Science Aquarium was inaugurated on March 31, 2011 with the objectives to study the behaviour of different fish species, conserve the fish fauna of the state and create a place for recreation of the public.
