"Fishermen face many complexities after the enactment of Loktak Protection Act"
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, February 06 2020:
A one-day public meeting on the recently approved Loktak inland water transport project was convened today at Loktak Lairembi Community Hall, Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur District.
Organised by the Loktak Fishing Association Ningthoukhong, the meeting was attended by Ningthoukhong Municipal Council, Ward no 13 Councillor, Kh Manitombi Devi; Ward no 13 Member, P Open; Manipur Wetland Authority, Technical Committee member, Salam Rajesh; Pumlen Pat secretary, Salam Joy Singh; social workers, O Ibopishak and Kh Manisana along with several fishermen.
At the meeting, several speakers stated that after the enactment of the Loktak Protection Act in 2006, fishermen who earned for their daily bread from the lake face many complexities.
They also said that there were irregularities in paying compensation for phumdi clearance as many of the phumdi farmers don't receive compensation amount.
After the implementation of the Act, a ban has been imposed on using certain things and activities in the Athaphums floating in Loktak Lake, including equipment used in fishing, they said and asserted that without other livelihood options, such ban has forced the fishermen into more poverty and hardship.
Further questioning how the fishermen will continue their activities after the introduction of inland transport system in Loktak Lake, they lambasted the Government and officials concerned for failing to comprehend the plight of the fishermen.
The gathering also urged all people who depend upon fishing from the Loktak Lake for income and sustenance to firmly stand against the Loktak Protection Act and inland water transport system.
As Loktak Lake is home of fishermen, introducing motorboat service will greatly affect the activities of people who depend on it, they argued and appealed all concerned to refrain from introducing such service.
On the occasion, Salam Rajesh pointed out that as Loktak Lake is a Ramsar site, a thorough discussion is needed before implementing any project in the lake.
He also claimed that no provision in the project guarantees safeguards of Loktak Lake and people who depend on it.