Clean up phumdis from Yennapat, appeal Ngaikhong Khullen locals
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, July 19 2025: Locals of Ngaikhong Khullen have urged Governor Bhalla and the relevant Government department to clean up the phumdis (floating biomass) clogging Yennapat and affecting not only the villagers but the migratory birds and animals who have made it their habitat.

They made the appeal during an inspection to assess the condition of Yennapat, which is a sub-zone in the central zone of the Loktak Lake, and located to the east of villages such as Keinou, Ngaikhong Khullen, Toubul and Ngakchroupokpi in Bishnupur district.

The inspection was led by Ngaikhong Khullen Gram Panchayat Pradhan Moirangthem Bala Devi.

Speaking in this connection, Pradhan M Bala Devi said that the clogging of Yennapat by phumdis has limited the movement of fisherfolks, thereby affecting their means of earning a livelihood.

Highlighting its impact to the economy of the villagers and the fisherfolks, she urged the Governor and the concerned Government department to facilitate the removal of phumdis from Yennapat.

Meanwhile, Romesh from UDC Ngaikhong Khullen said that they had informed the concerned department about the phumdi problem at Yennapat, highlighting the difficulties caused to the villagers in fishing and gathering vegetables from the clogged up wetland.

The same was intimated to former Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

According to Romesh, the former CM had approved their request and directed the clean-up of Yennapat.

However, the situation continues to deteriorate as no action has been undertaken on the ground, he added.

It has been reported that parts of Loktak Lake other than Yennapat such as Laisoi Pat, Patlen, Phumpokpi, Moirangkhom and Ikop Pat etc became increasingly filled with phumdis after the Loktak Project was started.

Around 15 years ago, a co-operative society oversaw the Loktak Lake and charged Rs 2000 from each fisherfolk allowing fishing and other related activities.

They paid an annual tax of Rs 1 lakh to the Government.

During this period, the lake was in pristine condition.

According to locals, after the Loktak Development Authority took the reins and the co-operative society was abolished, the Loktak Lake has become neglected.

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