Involve locals in saving Loktak lake: RK Nimai
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 28 2022:
The government continues to give special attention on developing tourist spots and other works while developing Loktak lake but participation of local people is essential in implementing action plan for Loktak lake and reap fruit of the ongoing works to save the world famous beautiful lake, stated retired IAS officer RK Nimai.
In his observation about saving Loktak lake, RK Nimai said Manipur government took up various activities to save Loktak lake like construction of check dams in catchment area, removal of biomass (Phumdi), including those nurtured by the fishermen, and dredging works.
Since the past 20 years or so, government gave environmental approach including tree plantation in catchment area to save the lake and cleansing of the Nambul river is another important activity taken up so far.
However, government missed out the importance of cleansing of Naga Nullah which merges with Nambul river in the heart of Imphal city for a long time though steps to cleanse Naga Nullah have been initiated very recently, he said.
Loktak Development Authority issued a notice in the month of July this year and mentioned about government's efforts in reviving ecological balance of Loktak lake.
The notice said that 'Athaphum', huts including on Phumdis except at Champu Khangpok should be removed within 15 days as per powers given under Section 4, 19 and 20 of the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act.
The notice, however, caused fear among the fishermen depending on the lake and those staying on huts as government created suspicion about ending fishing activities in the lake.
On fhe other side, advertisement of Manipur Tourism Department displayed Athaphum and homestay as important components of the lake.
This has compelled people to think that all tourism related activities in Loktak lake would be snatched by wealthy people and the locals left jobless, RK Nimai said.
Public are informed to get details of the mega eco-tourism project at Loktak lake being developed by tourism department from director's office but never displayed openly for public, RK Nimai said adding that collective responsibility is required in saving Loktak lake and participation of local people is important.
While pointing out that thorough discussion with experts is essential and final project should be based on outcomes of such discourses, RK Nimai said whatever efforts the government have been making to save Loktak lake would not reap the fruit without the participation and approval of the people.