Manipur, located in the northeastern part of India, is a region characterized by a unique blend of geographical diversity, climatic patterns, and rich biodiversity. The state's environmental changes and human adaptations have evolved through a dynamic interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors, profoundly influencing settlement patterns, resource use, and agricultural practices.
Effects of Climate and Geography on Settlement Patterns
1. Geographical Features Influencing Settlements
Manipur is divided into two distinct regions:
Hills: Comprising about 90% of the state's area, the hill region is home to various tribal communities who have developed distinctive settlement patterns.
Valleys: The Imphal Valley, constituting only 10% of the area, is the most densely populated, supporting agriculture and urban centers.
2. Climate's Role in Settlements
Manipur experiences a humid subtropical climate with monsoon dominance. Variations in rainfall, temperature, and elevation shape human settlements:
Rainfall and Agriculture: High rainfall during the monsoon fosters fertile soil in the valleys, making them ideal for wet rice cultivation. Settlements have historically clustered around these fertile zones.
Temperature and Elevation: Cooler hill climates are suitable for shifting cultivation, leading to scattered and semi-nomadic settlements in the hills.
3. Adaptive Settlement Patterns
Valley Settlements: Dense villages with close-knit houses built to withstand seasonal floods. Urbanization in the Imphal Valley has led to the rise of towns like Imphal, with growing infrastructure.
Hill Settlements: Sparse villages perched on slopes for better defense, safety from floods, and utilization of terraced farming practices.
4. Environmental Challenges
Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agricultural expansion and urbanization has disrupted the traditional balance of settlements.
Climate Variability: Erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are leading to water scarcity, affecting the viability of certain settlements.
Use of Natural Resources for Construction and Agriculture
1. Traditional Construction Practices
Manipur's architecture reflects sustainable use of local resources:
Bamboo: Widely used for house construction due to its abundance, flexibility, and durability. It is used for walls, floors, and roofing.
Wood: Timber from the region's rich forests is a key material, though its overuse has led to deforestation concerns.
Mud and Thatch: Common in rural areas, these materials offer insulation from both heat and cold, aligning with the region's climatic needs.
Modern Adaptations
Use of concrete and steel has increased in urban areas, but this shift has environmental costs, such as higher carbon footprints and resource extraction impacts.
2. Agriculture: Traditional and Adaptive Practices
Agriculture remains the backbone of Manipur's economy, deeply intertwined with its environment.
Traditional Practices
Jhum Cultivation (Shifting Agriculture): Practiced by hill communities, it involves clearing forest patches, cultivating them for a few years, and then leaving them fallow to restore fertility.
Wet Rice Cultivation: Predominantly in the valleys, utilizing abundant water during the monsoon.
Natural Resources Supporting Agriculture
Water Resources: Rivers like the Imphal, Barak, and their tributaries are critical for irrigation and drinking water.
Forest Resources: Provide organic matter for soil fertility and materials for farm tools.
Modern Challenges and Adaptations
Challenges: Soil erosion, loss of fertility due to overuse, and declining forest cover are major issues.
Adaptations:
Adoption of terraced farming to minimize soil erosion in the hills.
Introduction of modern irrigation techniques to reduce dependency on erratic rainfall.
3. Livelihoods Linked to Resource Use
Fishing: Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the region, is central to the fishing industry. The traditional phumdi (floating biomass) system is integral to local livelihoods.
Handicrafts: Bamboo and cane crafts leverage natural resources sustainably while supporting local economies.
Environmental Changes and Adaptive Measures
1. Environmental Changes
Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Expanding agriculture and urbanization are reducing forest cover.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns disrupt traditional agricultural cycles.
Soil Degradation: Over-cultivation and jhum practices contribute to declining soil health.
2. Adaptive Measures
Community-Led Reforestation: Several hill communities are actively involved in afforestation programs to restore ecological balance.
Eco-Friendly Construction: Revival of traditional techniques using bamboo and mud is being encouraged.
Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like organic farming and integrated farming systems are gaining traction.
Water Resource Management: Efforts to conserve water bodies, such as Loktak Lake, are being prioritized to ensure long-term sustainability.