Siltation, pollution threaten Sangai
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 04 2014:
As the water of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) gets more and more polluted by waste materials and chemical substances brought down by rivers which fall into Loktak Lake, the very survival of the already endangered Sangai has become very critical.
Loads of waste materials and chemical substances brought down by rivers from Imphal, other municipal areas and surrounding villages and deposited in Loktak Lake have been aggravating the pollution level and the polluted water is posing a serious challenge to the very existence of Sangai as well as Kharsa living in KLNP, said one official of the park.
The water of KLNP which forms a part of Loktak Lake is so polluted that it is not fit for even animals.
The polluted water has landed Sangai and Kharsa in a critical situation notwithstanding all the efforts to protect them, particularly Sangai.
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Incidentally, Sangai and Kharsa are listed in Schedule I .
Although KLNP is 40 sq Kms in area, only 19 sq Kms are now covered with Atha Phum (thick biomass).
The remaining portion is covered with either water or thin phumdi.
There are also three hillocks within the park.
Construction of Ithai Barrage brought about drastic changes to water regime of Loktak Lake.
The Wildlife Institute of India, after conducting a field research, reported that the phumdi of KLNP has become much thinner.
On the other hand, mating among close relatives heightens the chances of wiping out all the Sangai population from the floating park in the event of outbreak of any disease, said the official.
Intrusion into the park by people of the surrounding villagers for foraging, fishing and collection of fodder is also continuously disturbing the habitat of Sangai.
Altogether 35 unarmed staff, out of whom only seven are regular employees, have been guarding the park which is largely surrounded by water.
Forest Guards have also been patrolling the park and its surrounding areas either on foot or small boats.
Faster motor boats are yet to be introduced.
The total population of Sangai was reported to be just 14 in 1975.It steadily increased and the population figure reached 204 in 2013.The total population of Kharsa found in KLNP as recorded in 2013 was 212 .