EAC report on Loktak and associated wetlands launched
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 28 2023:
The Report of the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) on the "Long-Term Perspective Plan for Conservation and Wise Use of Loktak and Associated Wetlands" was launched today by Chairman, Loktak Development Authority (LDA), M Asnikumar Singh along with Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi (IAS) and ACS (FE&CC), MH Khan, IAS at Manipur Secretariat (South Block), Imphal today.
During the program, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi stated that Loktak Lake is the pride of the State and urged all concerned stakeholders to work together for its revival and conservation.
MH Khan, ACS expressed that a sincere effort by the LDA to prepare the recommendations will be useful for future management and restoration of the Loktak Lake.
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M Asnikumar expressed gratitude to all the members of the EAC led by Professor Rajeev Sinha (IIT Kanpur) .
He informed that the comprehensive report is the culmination of earnest efforts of the committee members since the past one year.
He asserted that the report will be vital in bringing about a change in LDA's approach, based on scientific research, long term perspective and community participation.
He continued that it will also help in preparation of the detailed project report of the sustainable restoration of the Loktak Lake ecosystem, ecotourism and livelihood improvement project (with technical and financial support of the Asian Development Bank).
It is an ongoing initiative of the State Government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Based on the analysis of several contributing factors that are responsible for the degradation of the Loktak, the committee recommended several measures.
The committee divided the recommendations into three groups, scientific intervention, restructuring of LDA for better governance and community participation.
Some of these recommendations include urgent review of the operational policy of the Ithai Barrage, the hydroelectric project and the water policy.
It further said that rejuvenation of outflow channels such as Khordak and Ungamel should restore hydrological connectivity and water balance of the Loktak wetland.
The committee also recommended that the Ithai Barrage needs to be opened more frequently.
Constant monitoring of the phumdi thickness and strengthening of technical expertise is another point that the committee recommended.
It may be noted that the expert advisory committee was formed last year with Prof (Dr) Rajiv Sinha, IIT Kanpur as chairman.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), SS Chhabra, IFS, Prof Lalbihari Singh, MU, Prof Th Binoy Singh, MU, PD LDA Bhagaton, SE/Wetland In-charge, LDA Ng Sanajaoba and senior Scientists of LDA were also present at the launching function.