Sangai & Loktak : Victims of Human Greed
Special Features on World Environment Day

Hueiyen Lanpao *

The Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi Mclelland) - the endemic, rare and endangered Manipur Brow-antlered deer (Feb 2009)

Today is World Environment Day. The theme for the worldwide observance this year focuses on 'Small Islands and Climate Change', while the official slogan for the year is 'Raise Your Voice Not The Sea Level'. The observance of the Day finds its relevance to the state of Manipur, where its precious Loktak lake facing degradation due to the human over-exploitation and the world-famous Sangai becoming increasingly endangered.

Christened as the Jewel of India or the Switzerland of the East, Manipur lying in the north eastern corner of India has several peculiar features in regard to its fauna, flora and scenic beauty. The bio-diversity of the land is clearly sighted with unique geography, topography and climate as compared to the rest of the globe. Loktak Lake in Moirang of Manipur is not only the largest freshwater lake in North East India, but also the only 'Floating Lake' in the world.

A natural treasure for Manipur, besides adding to the exotic natural beauty of the state, also plays a very significant role in the economy of the state. Loktak remains the main source of power, irrigation, and drinking water of the state. The lake is rich and abundant in bio-diversity, the most beautiful aspect of the Loktak Lake being the 'Phumdis' floating all over the entire stretch of the lake giving it an amazing perspective.

Loktak Lake is indeed a way of livelihood for the people, a source of great economic sustenance, a natural treasure of amazing flora and fauna, an ecological conditioner, and a major tourist attraction. Loktak literally means 'the end of the stream' (Lok means Stream and Tak means End), as the journey of several streams and rivers ends here. It remains a source of cultural and traditional history of Manipur.

As per 1991 census, about 12 Lakhs people are directly or indirectly benefited from this lake. Foods, agriculture, irrigation, pisci-culture, energy, aesthetic and recreational values are exploited by the people since time immemorial. However, a number of factors have degraded the beauty and quality of this precious lake.

The lake is home to some of the rarest and endangered species of flora and fauna. Sangai, the infamous brow-antlered deer which is the charm of the state thrives on the natural habitat of Keibul Lamjao National Park, a stretch of 'Phumdi' at the precinct of the Loktak Lake.

Sangai (scientifically termed as Cervus Eldi Eldi) is the rarest mammals and most beautiful deer in the world. It has a pride of place in the folklore and culture of the Manipur and is the state animal of Manipur.

Located in Bishnupur district of Manipur with around 40 sq. km. in area, Keibul Lamjao is the only floating park in the world. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered 'Sangai', the park which was initially a Sanctuary in 1966, was subsequently declared as National Park in 1977.

The Brow-antlered deer, which was first discovered in Manipur in 1839 and named Cervus eldi eldi in 1844 in honour of Lt. Percy Eld – a British officer, was reported an extinct species in 1951. It was re–discovered in the Keibul Lamjao Park area by the environmentalist and photographer E.P.Gee, which necessitated declaring this reserve park area as a national park to protect and conserve the deer.

Floating mass of vegetation created by accrual of organic garbage and biomass with soil particles that has been thickened into a solid form called phumdis, form the park situated at the south–eastern side of the Loktak Lake, which has been declared a Ramsar site.

Two third's to three-fourth's of the total park area is formed by phumdis. A water way through the park provides year round access by boats plying through the Loktak Lake, to the Pabot Hill in the north. The reserve area of the park which was 4,000 hectares in March 1997 was reduced to 2,160 hectares in April 1988 under pressure from the local villagers.

The natural beauty and quality of the Loktak lake and the Sangai have been degraded due to a number of factors, particularly brought about by the human greed.

Around 30 rivers and streams feed the Loktak Lake, thereby bringing sediments in their course to the lake with continuous soil erosion in the hilly terrain due to deforestation further enhancing the process. The sediment deposits at the mouth of the rivers contribute to shallowing of the lake bottom.

As most of the rivers flow in the heart or center of the cities and towns, the urban sewage dumped into these rivers ultimately reached the lake, and contributed in deteriorating the delicate ecosystem of the lake. Highly toxic substances such as insecticides, pesticides, oils, polythene bags, other non-biodegradable waste and municipal wastes further create a disastrous situation to the lake environment.

Soil erosion due to wind, waves, rainfall and rock weathering is a factor for degradation of the Thanga Island. Various human activities like road construction, housing, playgrounds, schools, clubs, theatres etc. are degrading the environment of this island at its utmost level.

Although a traditional way of living and a unique feature of Loktak Lake created by the local fishermen, floating huts or Phumshang has disrupted the environment of the lake. As the population of the fishermen increased, the number of Phumshang also increased manifold.

Various plastic ropes, heavy rocks, woods, bamboos, zinc plates, iron rods etc. which are used to construct the huts are also a big concern, besides the numerous pesticides and insecticides used for catching fish or as insects repellent. Water pollution with detergents, soaps and other chemicals brought down by the rivers are killing aquatic plants, animals, and birds and also deplete oxygen.

Man is responsible for all the disastrous situation of Loktak Lake and for endangering the Sangai. It is time we all realized the importance of preserving the precious flora and fauna of the state.