Nod given for IMP of Loktak
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 05 2023: Union Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav has directed officials at the Ministry to approve the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak Wetlands Complex during a joint meeting on the IMP held today at Mahanadi Conference Hall, Indira Paaryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.

According to a statement, the two hour meeting which started from 9.30 am was chaired by the Union Minister and attended by a Manipur team consisting of CAF & PD Minister L Susindro Meitei, Social Welfare Minister H Dingo Singh, M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman LDA, MH Khan, IAS, ACS (Forest & Environment), Dr AK Joshi, IFS, Pr CCF/Chief Wildlife Warden, PD, LDA and SE cum Wetland in-charge, LDA.

Also present at the joint meeting were the Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change; Joint Secretary (Wetland) ; Inspector General of Forest; Professor Arunkumar Singh, IIT Roorkee; Director (Wetland), Government of India; Director, WISA, New Delhi, Director (Project), NHPC Ltd and other senior officials from the Union Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change.

During the meeting, the Joint Secretary (Wetlands) of the Environment Ministry presented the Integrated Management Plan of Loktak Wetland Complex, which was prepared by the Director, WISA.

Professor Arun Kumar explained the techno-ecological view of the IMP.

Following this, the Manipur team collectively requested the Ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetland Complex at the earliest as it has been pending for 2 years.

The team also endorsed the ongoing project proposal of Manipur Govt for Sustainable Development and Livelihood of Loktak Lake with technological and financial support from the Asian Development Bank.

L Susindro and the LDA Chairman expressed displeasure over the non-responsive attitude of NHPC officials over Ithai Dam and water allocation plan of Loktak Lake since the past many years.

L Susindro also requested for consideration of logical support for demarcation of the lake from the Ministry.

LDA Chairman M Asnikumar highlighted the importance of the Loktak Lake as the cradle of Manipuri civilization and culture and providing livelihood to scores of people.

Stating that the biotic pressure on the lake is at unbearable levels due to multiple factors, he added that the declining condition of the lake also invariably affects the habitat of the Sangai, the Keibul Lamjao National Park.

He stated that it would be impossible for the State of Manipur to survive without the Loktak Lake and it is high time to take appropriate remedies to save the lake.

The Manipur team also collectively apprised the Ministry about Chief Minister N Biren Singh's concerns regarding the current situation of the lake and also informed the Union Minister of the conservation measures that are currently being taken up under the personal supervision and direction of the Chief Minister.

After patiently hearing the concerns of the Manipur team, the Union Minister directed the officials of his Ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetlands Complex, to frame a task for de-listing of Loktak from Montreux Record.

He then directed the Manipur Govt to take remedies to stop fragmentation of water of the lake, to identify and encourage suitable eco-tourism activities which will not compromise the ecology of the lake.

He also directed the LDA to submit a DPR based on the IMP for necessary logistical support from the Ministry.

Further, he directed the officials of his Ministry to clear all paperwork before April 28, when he along with his team of officials are scheduled to visit Manipur and the Loktak Lake to attend a regional workshop on wise use policy of wetlands in Manipur.

The Union Minister highlighted that restoring and preserving the iconic Loktak Lake and its rare and endangered deer species Sangai is one of the most important tasks of the Union Govt as well as the Manipur Govt.He added that the Union Govt in cohesion with the Govt of Manipur will expedite its efforts in mission mode to achieve the objectives of restoring the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands to pristine condition.

The Manipur team expressed their gratitude to the Union Minister and the Union Govt led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their serious efforts to conserve the Loktak and its associate wetlands in Manipur.

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