Shyamkr inspects Loktak Lake periphery
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 10 2017: Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyam-kumar today inspected the periphery of Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in North East India.

The Minister was accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests PN Prasad, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) Project Director L Bhagaton Singh and other officials.

Shyamkumar along with Oinam MLA L Radhakishwor Singh, officials of LDA and Forest Department also visited Toubul village in Bishnupur district and interacted with the villagers.

From Toubul village, the Minister along with the team visited Keibul Lamjao National Park and Sendra Park and Resort.

Speaking to media persons at Sendra Park and Resort, Th Shyamkumar said that he will take up the matter of developmental work along the periphery of Loktak Lake with Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

He added that the local MLA along with the experts will be consulted for initiating the developmental work.

Shyamkr inspects Loktak Lake periphery :: Pix - DIPR

Expressing concern over illegal encroachment, the Minister said illegal encroachers pose a big threat to Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park.

He said that the issue of encroachment can be tackled only by creating income generating jobs for the locals and said that rural tourism can solve the issue of unemployment faced by the rural people.

The Minister expressed hope that developing rural tourism will certainly boost the State's economy.

Shyamkumar further said that the main objective of inspecting the periphery of the Loktak Lake is to consult and discuss all the possible steps and projects which can be undertaken by each Department.

He said the problems can be solved at the earliest if all the Departments take simultaneous action.

Apart from co-operation among various Departments, there is a need for public awareness, the Minister added.

Speaking on the pollution issue in Loktak Lake, Shyamkumar said, "Cleaning only the surrounding of the Loktak Lake will not solve the issue.

Waste products from Nambul river flow into the Loktak Lake thereby contaminating the lake" .

The Minister also inspected the cleaning work at Loktak Project canal in Ningthoukhong, Loktak Development Authority office, Ningthoukhong and Wetland Research and Monitoring Centre.

Earlier in the morning, the Minister inspected drains in Alu Gali area in Thangal Bazar.