LDA Chairman visits catchment areas to assess preservation activities
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 27 2022: Loktak Development Authority Chairman, Moirangthem Asnikumar Singh today visited the villages along the Nambol River and Maklang River catchment areas to assess the various afforestation, aided regeneration and cultural operations undertaken by the authority as part of the activities related to preservation of Loktak Lake.

The Chairman was accompanied by LDA scientists, staff and villagers of Khoken, Saheibung, Thangjing Chiru, Songtun, Mongbung Tongreh, Sadar Jonte, Loibon Khunou, Ngarian, Parengba/Siangai Namkao, Nungsai Chiru, Siangai Namdai and Numggang, which fall under immediate catchment areas of Loktak Lake .

LDA Chairman visits catchment areas to assess preservation activities

Attributing the success of the catchment area treatment programme to the dedication of the villagers and continuous guidance of LDA officials/scientists, M Asnikumar Singh said, "The success of the catchment treatment programme and the remarkable change in the landscape would not have been possible without support of the community and dedication of LDA staff, especially our scientists" .

He also stated that the Catchment areas treatment work is one of the top priorities for conservation of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

"Since 1996-97 LDA has identified more than 70 villages as immediate catchment areas.

Out of this, 48 have already been covered under catchment areas treatment work with active participation of the local communities", he added.

The activities are- Afforestation, Aided Regeneration, Cultural Operation of plants/trees, Small scale engineering works like Border Sausage, Bamboo Spur, Vegetative Check Dams, Contour Trenching, Livelihood Activities like Water Harvesting Scheme/Pisciculture, Banana Plantation, Pineapple Plantation, Poultry & Piggery scheme, Bamboo plantation, handloom activities, etc.

During the visit, the Chairman and scientists of LDA interacted with Village Chiefs/Woman representatives of the said catchment villages.

The villagers expressed their sincere gratitude to LDA for carrying out such conservation measures, extending livelihood and having made it possible for them to live in an area with mass forest cover as earlier the area was a barren land with water scarcity.

The LDA Chairman appealed to the villagers to continuously play a pro-active role in preserving forest and prevention of jungle fires during the dry season and use forest products wisely.

He informed that a detailed report on the present status of these catchment villages is being assessed and the report shall be completed after visiting all the 48 catchment villages.

He also mentioned that LDA teams will visit and assess the other 22 catchment villages which have not taken up catchment area treatment works as of now.

"After completion of compilation of the report, it will be submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur and other stakeholders/departments for their perusal and consideration", he added.

M Asnikumar further appealed to the villagers to extend their cooperation in the State's mission to conserve wildlife, forests and wetlands under the leadership of "People's CM" N Biren Singh.