Meet discusses conservation of Champu Khangpok, Loktak
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 21 2024:
In a joint meeting held Wednesday at Mini Secretariat, DC's office complex in Bishnupur district HQ, issues concerning the conservation and management of Champu Khangpok floating village situated in Loktak Lake were discussed.
Chaired by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar with DC Bishnupur L Bikram as co-chair, district-level officials, SE/Wetland in-charge of LDA Ng Sanajaoba, EE/LDA Malemkhomba, LDA member and environmentalist Salam Rajesh, and representatives from the floating village were also among the attendees of the meeting.
During the meeting, villagers voiced their grievances and called for solutions to enhance their livelihoods as DC Bikram commended the state government s concerted efforts, particularly under the directive of Chief Minister N Biren, towards conservation of Loktak Lake and Champu Khangpok floating village, acknowledging their significance.
He pledged full support from the district administration and proposed establishment of a joint team for verification of floating dwellers' spots to ensure accurate record-keeping - an initiative unanimously accepted during the meeting.
Asnikumar also echoed the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Biren to preserve Loktak Lake with a comprehensive, long-term approach, emphasising the critical importance of improving the livelihoods of the dependent fishing community.
He urged representatives from the floating village to collaborate and contribute towards the conservation mission, and advocated collective efforts to overcome challenges.
Assuring unwavering support under the leadership of the CM, Asnikumar affirmed that Champu Khangpok floating village would receive all the support for sustainable development.
Notably, the CM has already sanctioned and released some funds for development of basic infrastructure, through the district authorities.
Furthermore, numerous welfare schemes are in the pipeline, aiming to benefit the village in the long run, he said.
With reference to illegal fishing practices, such as the use of electric current, Asnikumar appealed to the fishing community to cease such harmful activities and emphasised the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
Furthermore, with Loktak Lake now included under the Amrit Dharohar Scheme - an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote the wise use and conservation of Ramsar Sites in India - significant strides towards conservation are expected.
This scheme encompasses critical components such as Species and Habitat Conservation, Nature Tourism, Wetlands Livelihoods, and Wetlands Carbon Assessment, implemented through the convergence of various governmental schemes and programmes, he said.
The chairman further informed that in line with these efforts, LDA has initiated projects to improve the water quality of Loktak Lake by cleansing major rivers flowing into it.
The cleaning up of the mouths of Nambul & Moirang Rivers had already commenced, and dredging/cleaning of Khordak River completed recently, with additional plans underway to prevent pollutants from reaching Loktak Lake, so that clean water should flow to Loktak lake, he added.