Ministry urged to approve Loktak conservation plan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 09 2023: Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman L Asnikumar met the secretary of ministry of Environment, forest and climate change (EF&CC), urging approval to the conservation plan for protecting the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands at the earliest.

Asnikumar called on EF&CC secretary Leena Nan-dan at Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday and emphasised the urgency for approving the Integrated Management Plan (IMP), along with explaining that Loktak lake is the cradle of Manipuri civilization, its soul and an ecological wonder.

The conservation of Loktak Lake is paramount, and the swift approval of the IMP is crucial for its sustainable management, he stressed.

The meeting addressed various pressing issues, including upgrade of the Loktak Hydro Project and the precarious state of Keibul Lamjao Floating National Park, which is home to the endangered Sangai deer.

During the meeting, Asnikumar shared the state government s vision for revitalising Loktak Lake while conveying that the state government's commitment extends to preserving the unique ecosystem of Loktak Lake.

Pointing out that LDA aims to generate employment and raise awareness about the environmental importance of wetlands, aligning with LDA's conservation mission, he said that opportunities for eco-tourism were explored to promote Loktak Lake's cultural significance globally.

EF&CC secretary Leena Nandan also pledged to expedite the approval of IMP and informed ministry's commitment to take up all possible measures and assistance for the revival of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

She also assured to consider the proposal for modernisation of Loktak Hydro Project.

Dr Sujeetkumar Bajpayee, joint secretary (Wetlands) in the ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change also participated in the meeting, and emphasised on collaborative efforts for sustainable management.

L Asnikumar also met representatives of Oil India Limited and other bio-fuel experts to deliberate on the conversion of phumdis (floating biomass) into organic fertilizers.

Additionally, they explored the utilisation of biomass as an organic fuel source for generating biomass energy.

It is said that since 2017-18, LDA has been urging the ministry to approve the IMP for Loktak Lake.

The anticipated approval would signify a pivotal milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts.

Collaboratively crafted by Wetland South Asia (WISA) and LDA, the IMP encapsulates a comprehensive strategy for sustainable management.

As the advocacy continues, the hopeful prospect of securing approval for the IMP fuels optimism for the future, ensuring the longevity of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands for the benefits of generations to come.

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