Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 23 2010:
All Loktak United Phumdao-Koitha Owners' Welfare Association has appealed to the Government and its related authorities not to remove the Phumdao and Koitha (floating as well as artificially grown encircled bio-masses) from Loktak lake contending that these bio-masses have not only been helping in maintaining the ecological balance of the lake but also in the sustenance of many fishermen who depend on the lake.
Addressing a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press Club here this morning, Association president Salam Nando pointed that the Phundao on Loktak lake have been there since Manipur was an independent kingdom.
These Phumdaos have been helping in maintaining the ecological balance of the lake by destroying the harmful biomasses naturally.
On top of this, the family members of over 250 fishermen are depending for sustenance of their lives on more than 200 Phumdaos existing on the lake.
So, removing these environmental friendly Phumdis which also support the livelihood of many people would serious impact on the overall ecology of the State.
In response to a question, Nando informed that the Association has already submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister and other related authorities of the Government on January 16 highlighting their grievances.
But so far no response have been received, he lamented.
He warned that in case the Government and its related authorities remain indifferent to the complaint of the Association, it would take recourse to legal assistance to seek justice for the victimised fishermen.
It may be recalled here that removal of Phumdis from Loktak lake is being carried out since January 6 with the Delhi-based K-Pro Works Pvt Limited as the work agency.