Imphal, March 07, 2010: A cycle rally to mark the beginning of the worldwide campaign for the conservation of Loktak Lake, the biggest fresh water in the north eastern region of the country was marched on the streets in Imphal today.

The rally concluded at DM College where the campaign programme was held at the Central Hall of the DM College of Science was a part of the worldwide campaign which would cover 25 cities of three continents including cities of the country.

The campaign was organised by the North Eastern Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER), Imphal in collaboration with Lingjen Studio, Manipur.

Project Director of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Th Ibobi graced as chief guest of the opening function of the campaign programme which was presided over by Dean of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba Naorem Iboton.

Coordinator of the Bombay Natural History Society, Manipur State, RK Ranjan, publicity and library secretary of All Manipur Bar Association K Brojen were among other dignitaries attended in the campaign programme.

Former lecturer of DM College of Science, Dr Kh Samugou spoke on the need of conserving the Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake in the entire north eastern region of the country, cultural capital of the state as well as livelihood earning centre of the state.

Out of the total fish produced in the state 60 percent is from the Loktak Lake.

Earlier around 70 different varieties of fishes were found in the lake but now only around 50 varieties are found today.

It is the impact of changes in the future of the lake, he observed.

RK Ranjan observed that due to various activities including developmental works taken up in the periphery of the lake, the natural structure of the lake has been reduced at an alarming rate.

The only way to conserve the lake is to take up only eco-friendly developmental works, he opined.

Project director of LDA, Th Ibobi observed that a great impact has been given to the Loktak Lake by the coming up of Ethai Barrage.

The barrage has given alarming impact to the natural structure of the lake, he said.

As part of the campaign programme, a cycle rally from Malom to DM College campus was marched by the volunteers of organising body and spot painting competition participated by around 60 students was also held.

Comment