Floating research laboratory launched to analyse Loktak lake
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Bishnupur, February 24 2018: Embarking on its first venture, a floating research laboratory of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (ISBD) was launched by Minister of Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Forest & Environment Thounaojam Shyamkumar at Sendra today.

The laboratory will monitor, run tests and conduct thorough researches on Loktak Lake and Phumdis.

Speaking to media persons, Minister Th Shyamkumar said that the floating research laboratory will check the quality of Loktak Lake while adding that the Scientist and specialist can study the Lake which has been polluted by various reasons.

The laboratory was constructed on a budget of Rs five lakh and equipments worth Rs 20 lakh will be added at the laboratory for efficient research and study.

Floating research laboratory launched to analyse Loktak lake

He said that the samples collected from the lake will be sent to the main lab of ISBD and the findings will be sent to Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and the Central Government so that necessary measures and steps can be taken up for improving the condition of the lake.

The Minister further said that the Department will complete the survey this month regarding possible/strategic areas for installation of toilets.

He said the Department will install toilets by April-May in the areas covering all the urban local bodies.

Mobile bio-toilets will be installed at the Loktak Lake area to ease the problems of the public and tourists, he added.

Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) informed the media persons that IBSD took four months to build the boat, which will operate 24x7 and will cover the entire lake.

He said that an equipment has been installed inside the boat which will collect necessary data to check the deteriorating ecosystem of Loktak Lake.

The boat was built with materials collected from the State with a sitting capacity of 20-30 people.

He expressed concerned over the phumdis kept on the roadside while stating that it is highly dangerous for the lake as rain will disintegrate it.

He also informed that IBSD scientists have successfully extracted alcohol from a particular grass found in the lake and are in the process for commercializing.

Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi attended the function as special guest along with T Robindro, MLA Thanga A/C, M Ashinikumar, Vice Chairman MIDA, Longjam Bhagaton, Director LDA and students and staffs of IBSD.

Later, Minister Th Shyamkumar also inspected the surrounding areas and interacted with the department officials for possible developments to be taken up by the departments.