Asnikumar named LDA Chairman
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 19 2022: Moirangthem Asnikumar Singh has recently assumed charge as Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) .

As per a statement from LDA, after taking charge, the Chairman thoroughly examined the functioning of LDA with its officers and stakeholders concerned.

He also initiated a review of the Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 and proposed a restructuring of the LDA with a new dimension for holistic approach in order to reconstruct its policy programme in consultation with all the stakeholders and international experts.

The Chairman analysed the issues pertaining to Loktak Lake in the socio�economical parameters after the commissioning of Loktak Hydel Power Project.

It may be noted that the ecological condition of the lake has already reached alarming levels with adverse consequences on the livelihood of the lake dwellers as well as the ecological cycle of the lake.

Taking into account the alarming situation faced by Loktak Lake, the Chairman put up an appraisal to the Chief Minister and Minister of Forest & Envt and Climate Change, Th Biswajit Singh, to allow the involvement of highly reputed institutes with expertise in the relevant fields e.g.the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Technology, Wetlands of International South � East Asia (WISA) , Wildlife Institute of India (WII) etc.

Besides, he maintained that the involvement of local communities (particularly those drastically affected Phum dwellers and local experts) is also an important component of the conservation mission.

Recently, the Chairman convened a series of meetings with the dwellers of the lake where he called for public co-operation from those residing within the confines of the Loktak as well as their active participation in the conservation mission.

He set a new vision, a new outlook for a holistic approach for Loktak Lake's conservation mission, which needs to be given priority on ecological parameters, community engagement , technical-engineering intervention and strong coordination with inter related departments.

The Chairman also appealed to all the stakeholders, particularly the local elected representatives for their valuable support in carrying out the conservation and sustainable measures for preserving the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

A number of illegal encroachment and constructions has taken place within the protected area of the Loktak Lake like floating huts for local fishing purposes, home stay, cage culture, plantation of athaphums, and construction of ring bundhs which have become alarming as well as harmful deterrents to the environmental and ecological cycle of Loktak Lake.

Therefore, the LDA has earnestly appealed to those responsible to halt such activities and remove such illegal structures.

Failing this, necessary legal actions will be taken up as per rule of law against those defaulters within 3 weeks from this day.

On the advice of the Chief Minister, the Chairman of LDA also convened a joint meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Envt & Climate Change), Secretary (Revenue), Joint Secretary (Revenue), Deputy Commissioners�Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Director, Fisheries and senior officials of LDA.

During the said meeting, thorough discussions and deliberations on the issues regarding encroachment and land allotment inside protected areas of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands took place.

The officials present in the meeting were also instructed to submit a concrete report within 3 weeks pertaining to the encroachment of the lake and its associated wetlands.

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