Body warns Loktak encroachers, illegal fishers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, February 07 2023: While warning people who are amassing phumdis (floating biomass) in the Loktak Lake in areas along Komlakhong Chingthi to Khaji Sumbantaobi Kajin on the Mayang Imphal side of the water body, constructing houses without authorisation and using unconventional fishing methods such as use of electric power and batteries to give up all such unethical/unlawful practices, Joint Youth Development Committee (JYDC) Mayang Imphal Meitei Pangal has appealed to the authority concerned to intervene and save the Loktak Lake.

Functionaries of JYDC along with a team of media persons conducted an inspection visit along Komlakhong Chingthi to Khaji Sumbantaobi Kajin area based on information about some people illegally constructing houses in Loktak Lake by pilling up phumdis and also carrying out unlawful fishing activities using electric and batteries which have been banned by the government.

Speaking to reporters on the side-lines of the inspection visit, JYDC president Chesam Achouba informed that the inspection visit was conducted after receiving information that such illegal activities are being carried out in total disregard of the government order with the main objective of saving the Loktak Lake.

He further informed that the BJP government under the leadership of chief minister N Biren has been trying to save the Loktak Lake and taking up cleaning up of phumdis from the lake.

Many of the huts constructed on the phumdis have been dismantled and fishing activities with use of electric and batteries prohibited in Loktak Lake.

However, in-spite of the government's standing order, some self-centred people are indulging in illegal activities in Loktak Lake along Komlakhong Chingthi to Khaji Sumbantaobi Kajin area.

Terming presence of such selfish individuals as regretful, Chesam Achouba appealed to all concerned to stop illegal activities and join hands in saving the Loktak Lake from further degradation.

He also stated that specific campaigns would be launched to save the Loktak Lake with the support of public and also urged the government authority to look into the matter and take up necessary actions.

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