LDA nod must for activities in Loktak Lake, wetlands
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 23 2025: The state government has asked all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, cooperative societies and NGOs to take prior approval from the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) for taking up any activity within Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands, according to an order issued by chief secretary PK Singh on January 21.The order stated that the government came to learn that certain departments, agencies, cooperative societies, and NGOs are undertaking programmes and activities in and around Loktak Lake without obtaining the mandatory approval from LDA.

In this regard, all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, cooperative societies, and NGOs are instructed to refrain from initiating any activities within Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands without the consent of the LDA.

Any activities carried out without the knowledge or approval of LDA will result in accountability being fixed on the administrative secretaries, heads of departments concerned or other responsible functionaries, the order cautioned.

Informing that strict compliance with the directive is mandatory, the order advised all stakeholders to seek clearance from LDA before undertaking any initiatives in the specified areas.

The notification was issued following the decision taken during a joint meeting chaired by chief minister N Biren on January 14.The press statement further informed that during the meeting, the CM emphasised on urgent need to safeguard the environment of Loktak Lake and address pressing challenges threatening its fragile ecosystem as protecting the Loktak Lake is essential for the survival and prosperity of the state.

The meeting, also attended by works minister K Govindas, PHE minister L Susindro, law minister Th Basanta Kumar, MLAs K Robindro, Th Shanti, I Nalini, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, chief secretary and senior officials, focused on preserving Loktak Lake's unique ecosystem while ensuring its sustainable management.

The CM highlighted the indispensable role of community participation in conservation efforts and urged citizens to actively contribute towards protecting the lake.

Key outcomes of the meeting include mandatory prior approval from LDA before undertaking any activity in Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands; strict accountability for violating the directive; coordinated conservation initiatives by intensifying efforts to conserve Loktak Lake through a unified and collaborative approach; and adoption of sustainable practices to uphold the ecological balance of Loktak Lake.

During the meeting, the CM reviewed ongoing efforts to check encroachment, reduce pollution, and address Other environmental challenges threatening the lake.

He also made an appeal to the people, particularly those living around Loktak Lake, to take special care of water birds, including migratory species, and to refrain from any illegal activities that could harm these birds or disrupt their habitat.

The meeting also set a clear deadline for finalising the determination of Loktak Lake's boundary with the task entrusted to LDA, the revenue department, and the respective DCs, for carrying out the process in consultation with the MLAs of the areas concerned, the statement added.

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