"Fisher folks painted in bad light over degradation of Loktak Lake"
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, February 12 2023:
Karang Island Development Organisation has strongly denounced the alleged depiction of Loktak fisher folks in a bad light with regards to the degradation of Loktak lake.
Addressing media persons today at Karang, H Gitagen, advisor Karang Island Development Organisation stated that the press conference was organised to lay down the discontentment of the fisher folks.
Sharing that the people residing in the surrounding areas of Loktak lake have safeguarded the lake since time immemorial, he alleged, "However, some people have painted the fisher folks in a bad light by holding them and the residents responsible for the degradation of the ecology of Loktak lake" .
He asserted that the coming of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Ithai Dam are accountable for the deterioration of the Loktak.
"Aside from this, the Loktak Project has also resulted in the inundation of large swaths of agricultural fields", he claimed.
H Gitagen further questioned the Government regarding the measures taken up by them for the progress of fisher folks.
"The Tourism Department has spent crores of rupees to save Loktak lake but what measures have been taken up for the welfare of fisher folks?", he questioned.
He also expressed discontent against the statement of Joint Youth Development Committee which allegedly called for checking of elec-tric/battery fishing at Loktak lake.
H Gitagen stated that fisher folks should be presented with a new mode of livelihood if they are prohibited from fishing.
He then advised against holding fisher folks, who have been residing in the area for many generations, responsible for the degradation of Loktak lake and besmirching the reputation of this community.
Stating that fisher folks have been protecting the Loktak lake, he opined that the State Government should also see to it that fisher folks get their rights.
He further claimed that fisher folks are being disparaged for attempting to stop the unlawful hunting/poaching of migratory birds at Loktak lake by "gun-toting" individuals.
H Gitagen further appealed to the Government to implement specific policy and programmes for the welfare of fisher folks.
The press conference was attended by residents of Karang, Phoubakchao, Thanga Salam, Chingkha, Heisnam, etc.