Tufted Pochard spotted in Loktak Lake
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2024: Loktak Lake, known as ecological backbone of Manipur and a designated Ramsar site under the Central Asian Flyway and East Asian-Australasian Flyway, has once again come alive as a vibrant sanctuary with the return of migratory water birds.

This annual migration highlights Loktak Lake's vital role as a refuge for avifauna and marks a significant moment with the return of the Tufted Pochard (Nganu Sadaang) after an absence of nearly four decades.

The Tufted Pochard, with its striking plumage and rarity, symbolises hope and resilience.

Its return signifies the improving ecological health of Loktak Lake and stands as a testimony to successful conservation efforts.

Joining the Tufted Pochard are a diverse group of migratory birds, including the Red-crested Pochard (Thoidingnam Kok-ngang), Gad wall (Thoidingnurm, Common Coot (Porom), Great Crested Grebe (Kumjengbi), Femrginous Pochard (Eruppi Mitngoubi), Lesser Whistling Duck (Tingi), Northern Shoveller (Nganu Khara), Mandarin Duck (Sana Nganu) , and the Bronze-winged and Pheasant tailed Jacanas (Thamnachenbi and Yen Pouraba).

These sightings underscore that Loktak Lake is not just a body of water but a thriving sanctuary filled with ecological promise.

Reflecting on the ecological importance of the Loktak Lake and the return of migratory birds, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar has called upon the fishing communities and stakeholders to actively protect these migratory visitors.

"Illegal hunting, trapping, and disturbances to nesting areas must be prevented to ensure their safety and uninterrupted migration patterns," he emphasised.

Sharing his thoughts on this occasion, Asnikumar said, "The return of the Tufted Pochard (Nganu Sadaang) after nearly four decades is a poignant reminder of Loktak Lake's enduring importance as a haven for migratory birds.

This is not just a victory for conservation; it is a celebration of our shared responsibility to protect these delicate ecosystems.

Loktak is more than a lake - it is a living, breathing symbol of biodiversity and unity.

Let us remain vigilant, report illegal activities, and safeguard the habitats of our migratory guests.

Together, we can preserve this natural legacy for generations to marvel at and cherish".

LDA also extended appreciation to waterbird conservationists Kumam Jugeshwore Singh, RK Birjit Singh, and Kh Brajesh Singh, as well as organisations such as People for Animal, Unique Wildlife Protection Committee, Environment Social Reformation, Sangai Protection Forum, and United Commitfee Thanga for their untiring efforts toward waterbird conservation.

Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands like Pumlen Khoidum, Kharung-Ikop, Loushi, and other smaller wetlands continue to inspire awe and require collective efforts to maintain their ecological balance.

The return of the Tufted Pochard and its companions should serve as a rallying call for sustainable coexistence and conservation, Asnikumar said.

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