Public meeting denounces Loktak inland transport
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, February 12 2020:
A one-day public meeting on 'Loktak inland waterway' held at Upokpi Khunou Primary School ground Tuesday has denounced the proposed inland water transport in the lake.
The public meeting organised by the Upokpi Khunou village was attended by social worker Oinam Ningthou Singh, Heisnam Sanatomba Singh, Oinam Khomei Singh, Salam Khoimu Singh and many fishermen.
The speakers at the meeting pointed out the 'damages', the Loktak hydroelectric project has done to the lake ecosystem and effects it has on the lives of the fishermen in the area.
The speakers asserted that the coming of Loktak Inland Water Transport will further affect the lives of the surrounding people whose main occupation is fishery.
The Inland Water Transport will bring motorboats and this will affect the migratory birds visiting the lake, they asserted.
At the meeting, president of Loktak Fishing Association, Oinam Mohindro Singh asserted that lives of the fishermen will be endangered when the inland water transport comes.
Nine ports have been set up at different locations and this will only bring hardship to the people around the lake, he claimed.
He also urged the Government and the authorities concerned to evaluate the impact, inland water transport would have on the lake and fishermen.