Manipur: Loktak Development Authority chairman appeals for conservation of Loktak Lake

Our Correspondent

Imphal, April 19 (EMN): The Loktak Development Authority (LDA)’s new Chairman M Ashinikumar Singh appealed to all the stakeholders, particularly the local elected representatives for their valuable support while carrying out the conservation and sustainable measures for preserving the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

According to a press release, a number of illegal encroachment and constructions have been taking place within the protected area of the Loktak Lake like floating huts for local fishing purposes, home stay, cage culture, plantation of athaphums, and construction of ring bands, which have become alarming issues as well as harmful deterrents to the environmental and ecological cycle of the Loktak Lake.

“Therefore, the LDA earnestly appeals to those responsible to put an end and remove such illegal activities/structures,” the release said.

“If not, necessary legal actions will be taken up as per rule of law against those defaulters within 3 weeks from this day.”

According to media reports, the number of floating resorts has increased to around 20 in the Loktak Lake. There were only about five to six floating resorts before lockdown was imposed to control spread of Covid-19 in the state.

Stating that on the advice of the Manipur Chief Minister, the LDA Chairman had convened a joint meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Envt. & Climate Change), Secretary (Revenue), Joint Secretary(Revenue), Deputy Commissioners – Imphal West, Bishenpur, Thoubal, Kakching & Director Fisheries, LDA senior officials.

During the said meeting, a thorough discussion and deliberation on the issues regarding encroachment and land allotment inside protected areas of Loktak Lake and its associate wetlands, had taken place. Also, the officials present in the meeting were instructed to submit a concrete report within three weeks pertaining to the encroachment of the Lake and its associate wetlands, it said adding that swift, appropriate actions would be taken up as per the report.

He also initiated a review of the Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 and restructured the LDA with a new dimension for holistic approach in order to reconstruct its policy programme in consultation with all the concerned stakeholders and international experts.

He also emphasised the integrated development of the Loktak Lake — ecotourism, preservation of Champu Khangpok floating village to identify culturally and historically important sites inside the lake and preservation of such sites, enhancement of fisheries and support of community livelihood, promotion of water sports, regulation of local fishing practices and motor boats with consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.