Loktak Lake turning into septic tank: LDA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 20 2022:
Expressing serious concern over the level of pollution in Loktak lake which has even figured in the Montreaux record as one of the dying lakes of the world, Lokak Development Authority chairman M Asnikumar has said that northeast region's fresh water body has been converted into a septic tank for people living in Manipur valley.
Asnikumar stated this during the release function of plan for Barak River Conservation Project and Keibul Lamjao National Park Integrated Management to be taken up by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under National River Conservation Project.
In his speech at the function held at Classic Grande here on Monday, Asnikumar pointed out that Ithai Barrage constructed in the early 1980s was not reasonable and the visionless project is one of the main reasons for diminishing of plants and living things available ear Her in the lake.
It was very unfortunate that the DPR for Ithai barrage did not mention anything about preserving nature.
Loktak lake is considered as the mirror of Manipur but the condition of Keibul Lamjao National Park located inside the lake, which is the only home for Brow-antlered deer popularly known as Sangai, has worsened day by day.
Water plants and fishes available at a place called Yangbi in Keibul Lamjao before it was declared as the national park served as livelihood for people living around and there were conformations between local people and forest and wildlife officials when the latter came to Keibul Lamjao in the past.
Though politicians during that time misled villagers, the responsibility of saving and protecting Sangai is being shouldered by local villagers nowadays, he said and observed that giv ing livelihood means to local villagers will help in preservation and promotion of the national park.
The event was also attended by WII scientist Dr Ruchi Badola, principal chief conservator of forests Dr AK Joshi and additional chief secretary MH Khan.