ALAFUM hails efforts to save Loktak lake
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 10 2022:
While appreciating efforts being made by government and LDA to save the Loktak lake, All Loktak Lake Fishermen Union Manipur (ALAFUM) has urged the government to review the Loktak Protection Act, 2006 and enact a welfare policy for fishermen depending on the lake.
In a statement, ALAFUM said government should allow fishermen earning livelihood out of resources of Loktak lake to take proactive part in programmes being initiated to save the lake.
Pledging that the Union will extend its fullest support to programmes being taken up by the government to save the largest fresh water lake in the northeast region, the statement also expressed hope that government will translate into action programmes envisioned for development of Loktak lake.
Apart from special attention given by the Government of India, many organisations of international repute haye expressed willingness to develop the lake and ALAFUM welcomes initiatives being taken by Manipur government and LDA to save the lake and promote tourism.
However, fishermen dependent on the lake want some specific works to be taken up like regular clearance of the floating biomass (Phumdis) and discussion on lifestyle and responsibility of fishermen, the statement added.
ALAFUM also welcomed BJP's poll promises to take up a mega eco-tourism project in Loktak lake and make the lake an iconic wetland of South East Asia apart from restructuring LDA and developing Champu Khangpok floating village as a heritage floating village.
It also lauded government for appointing environmentalist M Asnikumar, who grew up around the lake and understands its environment fully, as LDA chairman and expressed hope that Asnikumar's appointment to the post will help in restoring lake's natural environment in a big way.