Speaker laments official apathy in Loktak development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 18 2013 : Hinting at callousness by officials con-cerned for lack of progress in the loktak Lake development programmes being initiated by the State Government, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwor called upon all concerned for maximum effort in checking further deterio-ration of the largest fresh water body in the region.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 18th Loktak Day cele-bration held today at Komla- khong Water Sports Complex, under Mayang Imphal assembly constituency, Loke-shwor said preservation as well as development of Lok-tak lake should be accorded top priority by everybody as inaction at the present juncture would eventually lead to the lake's deterioration and subsequently deprive several thousand people their source of sustenance.

Categorically stating that officials of Loktak Development Authority lack commit- ment in judiciously and expeditiously implement various development programmes initiated by the LDA Chairman and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the Speaker strongly advocated dedication and diligent working by the LDA officials.

Dignitaries attending the 18th Loktak Day celebration

He also highlighted among others, the CM is determined to construct a 150-200 wide ring-road around the Lake and plant trees in the Lake's periphery to attract tourists.

Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar in his address conveyed that demarcation exercise to determine exact boundary of the Lake is already underway and appealed to people settled around the Lake for cooperation in the Government's endeavour to protect the water body.

Further informing that under the objective of developing an inland water-ways the State Government has started construction of boat-yards at Thanga, Ningthoukhong and Mayang Imphal side of the Lake, the Works Minister said on completion the boat-yards larger boats would be put into service for travel of about 50-100 people at a time.

While efforts are on to complete the boat-yards ahead of the next Loktak Day celebration similar facilities would be developed at Komlakhong, sendra and Phubala areas in the second phase of the project, informed the Minister.

Dr Ratankumar also exuded confidence that once the people depending on the Lake for daily sustenance realise importance of the Lake and acknowledge benefits being provided by the rich natural resources of the Lake will certainly encourage them to take the leading role in saving the lake and protecting wildlife around the water body.

Apart from those settled around the Lake it needs no reminding that Loktak Lake is one of the most important deciding factors for Manipur's eco-system, he maintained.

Among others Hill Areas Committee Vice Chairman Z Kikhonbou, Parliamentary Secretary Vungzagin Valte and MLAs RK Anand and E Chand were also present at the celebration during which cultural programmes, including traditional dances were staged by different cultural troupes.