High Court orders rejig of Loktak DA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 07 2024: In decree issued on September 25, the High Court of Manipur directed the government of Manipur to reorganise the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to enhance its operational effectiveness in managing and conserving the Loktak Lake.

The court s order came as part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No 24 of 2017), initiated by the court, With the goal to ensure effective conservation measures of the state's most important wetland.

A bench comprising chief justice Siddharth Mridul and justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, after hearing submissions from the amicus curiae I Denning, additional advocate general M Devananda, LDA counsel H Kenajit, and Central government standing counsel Boboy Potsangbam, ruled that it is necessary to rejig the LDA by incorporating several functional units to address different aspects of wetland management.

In its directive, the court ordered the inclusion of several specialised units within the Loktak Development Authority to address various aspects of wetland conservation and management.

It specified that Planning and Design Unit shall be responsible for strategic planning and ensuring adherence to policy mandates and regulatory provisions, Wetland Monitoring Unit handle the systematic inventory, assessment, and monitoring of wetlands, with the Ningthoukhong Laboratory functioning as its operational hub.

It also emphasised that the Engineering Unit focus on carrying out minor engineering and construction work related to wetland conservation, while the Watershed Management Unit shall oversee catchment conservation efforts within the wetland s basin.

Additionally, the Community Engagement Unit will liaise with community and civil society organisations, ensuring their concerns are reflected in management decisions.

Lastly, the Communication and Outreach Unit will be responsible for external communications, guided by a structured communications plan.

The bench has scheduled the next hearing of the case on October 16, to review the progress of the reorganisation.

Additionally, the registry has been directed to provide copies of the order to all parties involved, including the amicus curiae, and to replace S Samarjeet's name with that of Boboy Potsangbam in the cause list.

Comment