Imphal, March 07, 2010: The first phase of the worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign which would continue for one year across 25 cities (23 Indian cities, New York and and London) and five towns across the globe has been officially launched simultaneously at Imphal, Delhi, Guwahati, Shillong and Silchar today.

Launch of the Imphal campaign was held under the joint aegis of North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER), Imphal and LEGEND Studio, Manipur at the central hall of DM College of Science here today.

Cycle rally, painting competition for school students and discussion on the issue of saving Loktak lake marked the occasion.

The cycle rally was flagged off from near Kids Foundation at Ghari along Tiddim Road and concluded at the campus of DM College of Science.

The painting competition for school students was organised in three categories.

The competition for category of class I to III was held under the theme of 'Save Sangai'; for class IV to VI the theme was 'Save Loktak' while for class VII to IX it was held under the theme of 'Conserve Nature for better future'.

the discussion session was attended by Project Director of Loktak Development Authority Thounaojam Ibobi as chief guest and founder director of LEGEND Studio Mohen Naorem as functional president.

Manipur State co-ordinator of Bombay Natural History Society Dr RK Ranjan Singh, joint secretary of All Manipur Bar Association Koijam Brojen Singh, former lecturer of DM College of Science Dr Kh Shamungou Singh, secretary general of The Environment, Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum H Meghachandra Singh and managing trustee of NECEER Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address, Oinam Samo of LEGEND Studio pointed out that though considered to be the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India, condition of Loktak Lake has today deteriorated due to both natural and anthropogenic activities.

Rapid expansion of Phumdis, siltation, pollution and adverse effect from Loktak Hydropower Project are some of the main problems which have led to an alarming destruction of the lake even as the natural habitat of Sangai in the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park of the lake is under threat.

So the campaign is being launched to save Loktak lake.

The main objective of the worldwide campaign which would cover 25 cities across the globe is involvement of youth and mobilisation of public for the conservation of Loktak Lake, he added.

In his address as one of the guests of honour, Dr Kh Shamungou explained that there are three main reasons for the need to conserve Loktak lake.

The first reason is the close affinity of the lake with the culture of Manipur and its people, second is the fact that it is the largest fresh water lake in the Northeast India because water is life and the third reason is the need to protect the bioresources of Loktak and its surrounding areas.

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