Marathon, painting & essay competition, boat race highlight Loktak Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, October 07 2025: The Centre for Rejuvenation of Loktak Lake Watershed & Wetland Moirang in association with the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and Loktak Development Authority observed Loktak Day with a variety of events along the road leading to Omba Nurathel.

The first event of the day was a 7 km open race flagged off by Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti from Hemam Nilamani Ngangkha Sports Complex in Moirang Ngangkhalawai.

Over 200 individuals participated in the race.

The race traversed through Moirang Keithel, Sendra Road, turned back after reaching Sendra foothill and culminated at the site of the main venue at Omba Nurathel Road.

Later, the MLA along with the public planted 500 tree saplings at Phubala, Sunusiphai, three areas of Naranseina and Omba Nurathel Road with the help of Bishnupur Forest Division under the theme of "Save Loktak" .

On the same theme, a spot painting and essay writing competition was held at INA Martyrs Memorial Complex, Moirang.

More than 260 students from schools across Bishnupur district participated in the competitions which were divided into two categories.

Prizes were distributed to the participating students.

Following this, a "Hiyang Festival" (boat race) was conducted at Takmu Water Sports Complex.

Aside from the Moirang MLA, the event was also graced by officials of Ibudhou' Thangjing Moirang.

In another event, former Deputy Chief Minister and NPP Manipur State president Yumnam Joykumar has highlighted the need for increased efforts from the State Government to save the Loktak Lake.

He made the remark at the flagging off ceremony of a half-marathon from Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou to Loktak Lairembi Ground, Thanga held in connection with the Loktak Day Celebration, 2025 and jointly organised by Loktak Day Observation Committee, Thanga and Loktak Sports Academy under the theme "Save Loktak, Save Our Indigenous Fishermen".

Highlighting the importance of the lake, he said that it has put Manipur on the global map.

It is pertinent to improve the economic condition of those settled along the shoreline of Loktak lake, he remarked.

Addressing the gathering, NPP general secretary (administration) Heisnam Russell, who sponsored the half-marathon, said that the race, was organised not only to spread the message of preserving Loktak lake but also to shine a light on the deteriorating condition of fisherfolks who depend on the lake for their livelihood and extend solidarity.

The event was attended by NPP Manipur State general secretary RK Rameshwor; NPP Manipur Frontal & IT Cell general secretary Laitonjam Jayananda; NPP Manipur CSO Outreach Research and Advocacy general secretary Yumnam Ratika; NPP Youth Front Manipur president Nongthombam Bidyarani and Loktak Day Observation Committee Thanga secretary Heisnam Ibomcha among others.

As part of the observation of Loktak Day, fingerlings were also released in Loktak lake.

Separately, in celebration of Loktak Day the public paid obeisance at the shrine of Loktak Lairembi at Komlakhong Chingthi under Mayang Imphal AC and later blankets were distributed to senior fisherfolks under the supervision of Mayang Imphal AC MLA Kongkham Robindro and his father social worker K Manglem.

Kongkham Manglem handed over the blankets to the fisherfolk today as the MLA is currently visiting Delhi.

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