Many throng to streets to save Loktak Lake, vow to intensify stir
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, May 12 2018:
Claiming that the Loktak Hydro Electric Power Project and Ithai Dam have brought loss more than gains for the people, a public rally cum meeting was organised by Manipur Loumee Lup against Loktak project and Ithai dam.
The rally began from Kumbi Santhong to Kumbi Bazar today, reports our correspondent.
Numerous slogans and placards were raised including "Replace Jhuming with agro-forestry composite farming", "Maintain dense forest on hill slopes", "Remove Ithai dam", "Save farmers of the State", "Save Loktak lake" etc.
Speaking on the sideline of the movement, Ex Minister M Nara, who also took part in the rally cum meeting, said that the movement can be traced back to the time when people became aware of the consequences that Loktak project will bring to the people and the movement still continues as they have a deep rooted relation with the lake.
He claimed that after the commission of Loktak project, more than 80,000 paddy fields have sunk under water and although areas in Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts have been badly affected by the project, the consequences should be considered as an impact to the whole State because several products from Loktak are used and utilised by the people of the State.
He further asserted that the "Save Loktak" slogan is not a mere slogan but a voice to save the people of the State as well as the lake.
The movement initiated by Manipur Loumee Lup and supported by Communist party will be intensified and upgraded to the next level.
Expressing hope that State Government will give a positive response to the democratic form of agitation, he appealed the Govt to bring an amicable solution regarding the matter at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Manipur State Council CPI secretary L Sotinkumar Singh said that if the present situation prevails, all the 14 Kendras around Loktak lake will be completely submerged under water and added that the residue and other materials deposited into the lake each passing year have begun to affect the condition of the lake drastically.
RAMSAR after recognizing Loktak lake as "not pure/polluted", has been investing fund every year to save the lake, he claimed.
The secretary lamented that numerous lives will in grave danger if Ithai barrage continues to operate.
Assuring that the farmers along with the supporters are ready to launch stringent forms of agitation, he asserted that the matter will be produced before the State Parliament and all the farmer's community in the country will press the matter to Delhi Parliament.
The movement was participated by Ex Minister Dr M Nara Singh, secretary Manipur State Council CPI L Sotinkumar Singh, State secretariat members MSC/CPI namely L Iboyaima Singh, A Lala Singh, president Manipur Loumee Lup MSC N Singhajit Sing, farmers from different areas of the State among others.