Asnikumar shares thought on Loktak protection
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 22 2015: If the Government is really serious about protecting Loktak lake, then they must work together with the fishermen and people residing at the periphery of the lake, said BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary (administration) M Asnikumar.

Addressing a press conference at their Nityaipat Chuthek office, Asnikumar said that Government's steps towards protection of the lake has been giving negative impression to the people although they have been putting in constant efforts in this regard.

He said that thousands of people have been depending on the lake for livelihood since time immemorial.

Moreover, Loktak lake has an inseparable relation with the culture, society and economy of the State, Asnikumar pointed out.

Maintaining that fishing is also a part of Manipuri culture, Asnikumar said that fishing in the lake largely depends on phumdi (floating biomass).

He also reminded that Keibul Lamjao National Park itself is a floating biomass which has an area of around 40 sq km.

As such, Loktak lake and floating biomass are interdependent on each other, he observed.

Saying that fishermen of Loktak lake have been adopting its unique way of fishing since time immemorial, Asnikumar said that it is not possible without Athaphums (artificially developed biomass) .

People in the past used to believe that planting an Athaphum for fishing is profitable and economical than farming paddy in one pari of land.

However, the economy of fishermen and people residing near the lake has been largely affected due to cleaning-up of floating biomasses.

As such, there is need to amend Loktak Protection Act 2006 in a way to strengthen Wetland Conservation Act, he observed.

Asnikumar further said that the Government must develop a permanent livelihood policy for the fishermen alongside effective implementation of Loktak Protection Act 2006 .

The water of Loktak lake is becoming polluted day by day due to urban solid waste materials carried down by the rivers flowing into the lake, he said.

As such, the Government must pay immediate attention to cleaning-up of these rivers to save Loktak lake, he said.

Saying that Loktak lake can't be protected without the co-operation of the people residing at the periphery of the lake, Asnikumar said that as such the Government must work together with them.

He also stressed on the need of protecting Pumlenpat to save Loktak lake.

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