Society objects LDA order on home stays
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2022: While terming the order issued by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) on July 18 for removal of all home stays and huts constructed on phumdis in Loktak Lake as depriving the fishing community of their rights to livelihood; Apunba Loktak Ngami Sinmi Co-Operative Society general secretary Ningthoujam Raghu said that the government's move is basically putting the lives of the people in difficulty instead of saving the Lake.

Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, Raghu said that the order issued by LDA on July 18 is accusing the fishing community of Loktak Lake dirtying the lake by setting up home stays and huts, and threatening the people to remove the same within 18 days before legal action is initiated.

This move is an attempt by LDA to drive away the fishing community of the Lake, thus depriving them of their right to livelihood.

He continued that the Lake provided various opportunities before the Loktak Project came into being but the entire ecosystem has now been severely impacted due to the Ithai Barrage.

In addition, many agricultural lands in the nearby areas have been inundated, and the blockage by Ithai Barrage has only worsened the pollution, brought on by the several rivers flowing into the Lake.

Raghu further said that the fishing community is barred from doing anything, citing the Loktak Protection Act 2006.Thus, he urged the authorities concerned to revise the notification and stop violating the rights of the fishermen.

Loktak Lake is the mother of all fishermen and none will do anything to harm her.

The fishing community will stand against anyone or the department planning to destroy the lake, he contended, while adding that the Lake cannot be saved without the fishing community.

Loktak Floating Home Stay Association secretary Ranjan Ningthoujam, who also attended the press meet, recounted that prior to the issuance of the order, a joint meeting was held with LDA on May 26, wherein the Association was formed to allow the continuation of the home stays.

The rules and regulations for operating a home stay was prepared and submitted to the LDA and authorities concerned.

On July 8, another meeting was held with the DC and LDA, during which instructions were given for removal of some of the home stays and to submit a specified drawing before continuing the same.

The home stays agreed to renovate as per the government's instructions, but the order was suddenly issued, he recalled.

Ranjan then said the home stays began operation on June 20, 2018 with the aim of earning some income by allowing tourists to stay and appreciate the beauty of Loktak Lake.

It is unfortunate of the government to issue such an order when the operation has become successful.

Thus, he urged LDA chairman M Asinikumar, who is also a local, to understand the suffering of the people and accept the request of the fishermen and the home stay community.

Ranjan then demanded that the order be revoked by July 30, and warned that in case of failing to do so, no department officials, tourists, LDA staff would be allowed to enter the area, in addition to launching intense agitations.

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