Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 12 2009:
A delegation of Ngamee Shinmee Kanba Lup(Thanga Heisnam) and Heisnam Leikai Meira Paibi Lup today drew the attention of the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to highlight precarious situation the villagers had been facing as windy conditions in the last few day have resulted in loose bio-mass floating towards the islet thereby choking normal chores.
As the CM was unavailable due to other prior engagements a delegation submitted a memorandum which pointed out that inspite of The Loktak Development Authority, under a specific policy of the State Government to preserve the historically and economically significant lake, having launched bio-mass clearance activities about 2/3 years back the task remains incomplete with the loose biomass starting to gather at Thanga side of the lake.
Apart from the bio-mass collection blocking routes of fishermen and hampering economic activitics, rotting of bio-mass have become a cause of concerned due in deterioration of the water body which Thanga and nearby villagers had been depending upon for consumption and other purposes.
Other complaints put forth by the delegation include nonpayment of compensation due to bio-mass planters as their earning source had been literally weeded after the LDA launched the Loktak lake preservation works around 2007 .
With the LDA personnel unable to completely clear the loose biomass from the water body those separated from its roots have been floating towards the periphery of the settlement areas due to windy conditions prevalent in the last few days, the representative mentioned.
The LDA had been attempting to float out the biomass from the lake through the Manipur River but without any remarkable success, it added.
It is informed that for every biomass planted by the local fishermen the LDA was supposed to compensate to the tune of Rs 13,000 each but till date about 500 Thanga area fishermen are yet to receive the compensation amount.
Prior to submission of memorandum the delegation met LDA Project Director to highlight their woes.
On the other hand, a statement issued by All Thanga Area Meira Paibi Organisation urged the State authorities to expeditiously clear the floating biomass so as to enable the villagers sustain livelihood.