Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign in Chennai
- North East Centre for Environmental Education (NECEER),Imphal -

Chennai, 26th March 2011

Conveying the absolute need to conserve Loktak Lake immediately with a tagline-Loktak, the Lifeline Of Manipur, North East Centre for Environmental Education (NECEER),Imphal organized the third phase of Save Loktak Lake Worldwide Campaign at Marina Beach on 26th March under the leadership of Mr. Thangjam Bicky as the Chennai City Coordinator.

The Campaign was conducted with the help of 20 volunteers. It was started with a pledge to save Loktak Lake. Then the group was divided into a group of approximately 6 teams, each with a mission to make people aware of the Loktak Lake and explain the immediate needs to conserve the lake. People’s responses, comments and opinions about the lake and its campaign were taken and noted.

It was stressed that if we lose the lake, India will be losing a great asset and the lake in an internationally acclaimed biological ecosystem of universal importance. People were made to realize the calamities possible aftermath of the lake's disappearance. Pamphlets were distributed to people to better understand our voices towards the conservation of the lake. The event took place between 4:00pm to 4:45pm.

Chennai Campaign is the 11th city hosting the Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. More than 700 volunteers and 32 city Coordinators across the globe are involved in organising the campaign. Increasing number of the youth involvement is a proof to the success of the ongoing Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. It can be mentioned that the first and the second phase of the campaign have been conducted in 2010. Delhi, Guwahati, Manipur, Silchar and Shillong witnessed the first phase of the campaign. The second phase was conducted in Mumbai, Kolhapur, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Both the phases has been a huge success with mass involvement all over in India.

Third Phase of the campaign started with a successful campaign at Pune, where it was organised at Wadia College, Pune. Next campaign will be organised at Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) in April 2011 under the leadership of Ms. Chanchan Yumnam. NECEER, Imphal request everyone to support this noble cause which was started with a mission to create awareness about the present situation of the Loktak Lake and to conserve it.

The campaign is supported by more than 20 international and national organisations. It will conclude in 2012 with a grand campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involving the local inhabitants, local NGOs and the Government officials amongst others. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake.

It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer„ Sangai - Cervus eldi eldi and many other endangered species. The lake is an Important Bird Area identified by BNHS, Mumbai and Bird life International.

Ms. Mehnaz Nasreen
Spokesperson, NECEER, Imphal
NECEER's Vision: Conservation of biodiversity for better future
Official website:http://www.neceer.org.in/