Siltation raising Loktak bed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2011: On account of continuous siltation, the bed of Loktak lake has been rising steadily, making the lake shallower with each passing year, stated Chief Secretary DS Poonia while commenting on the global phenomenon of climate change.

The Chief Secretary was talking to media persons in relation with a national workshop on "Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity in North East India with Special Reference to Manipur" which would be held at Hotel Classic here on September 29 and 30 under the joint aegis of Manipur Biodiversity Board and the Forest Department.

The capacity of Loktak lake to retain water has also been dwindling on account of continuous siltation by rivers which drain into the lake.

With the lake becoming shallower every passing year, water of the lake overflows into surrounding areas threatening paddy fields during rainy season.

On the other hand, NPHC wants the lake to retain necessary quantity of water for power generation.

During winter season, the water level of Loktak lake becomes so low that there were times when only one turbine (of the Loktak power generation project) can be operated.

The ongoing Loktak conservation project being implemented with funding from the Planning Commission would be shown to Planning Commission Member BK Chaturvedi when he come to Imphal to attend the workshop, the Chief Secretary stated.

BK Chaturvedi would also release people's biodiversity registers of Mondum Mahadev, L Gunphai and S Songlung during the workshop.

The workshop which would be participated by experts from the State and outside would deliberate on such topics as forestry, wildlife, eco-tourism, wetlands, fishery etc, said Manipur Biodiversity Board Member secretary RK Srivastav.

Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) Dr Suresh J Babu who was also present at the press conference said that draft for the State Action Plan on climate change has been finalised.

A final decision would be taken after a meeting on October 10, he said.

The press conference was also attended by PCCF A Kharshiing, NEHU representative Dr Rohini Kumar and Dr Asha Gupta of Manipur University.

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