Committee demands de-commissioning of Loktak project
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 23 2024: People's Committee for Restoration of Loktak Lake and Its Associated Wetlands in Manipur has called upon all MLAs to address the demand for decommissioning of Loktak Hydro-power multipurpose project in the upcoming Assembly session and support the efforts to protect the lake's surrounding wetlands.

Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club, here, on Tuesday, Committee convenor Soibam Tomba emphasised that communities settling around the Loktak lake rely on it for their survival.

The lake is also deeply intertwined with Manipur's history, culture and traditions, in addition to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is part of the Loktak Lake ecosystem, designated as a Ramsar site in 1990, he reminded.

Tomba explained that the construction of Ithai Barrage on the Manipur River in 1979 as part of the Loktak Project led to significant ecological disruption, and nearly caused extinction of the water body in 1993 apart from figuring in the Montreux Record which remains to date.

He also said that the time has come for all to accept that the Loktak Hydro-power Multipurpose project has degenerated condition of various lakes and rivers associated with Loktak lake including Pumlen Pat, Ikop Pat and Khoidum Pat.

Comment