35th Loktak Day celebrations held
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Bishnupur, October 17 2024: On the occasion of the 35th Loktak Day, the Department of Fisheries released about five lakh fish fingerlings in Loktak lake and Takmu lake.

Loktak Day is celebrated annually on 'Mera Pumima'.

The stocking of fish fingerlings was led by M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority, H Sanayaima Singh, former Minister and president of Loktak Day Celebration Committee, Thanga and H Balkrisna Singh, Director of Fisheries, Manipur.

Three lakh fish fingerlings comprising grass carp, rohu and mrigal fish were released in Loktak lake while at Takmu lake, the Director of Fisheries, Manipur led the stocking programme and released about two lakh fish fingerlings.

The day's events began with the 'Run for Loktak,' organized by Youth Development Association, Ningthoukhong, and sponsored by LDA and NHPC.

It was flagged off by the LDA Chairman in the presence of S Premchandra Singh, MLA, Kumbi and SE Ng Sanajaoba Singh.

The run aimed to raise awareness about Loktak lake and inspire the youth to actively engage in its conservation.

Following the run, a traditional worship ceremony was held to honour Loktak Ema Lairembi, the guardian deity of the lake.

The celebration continued at Thanga Higher Secondary School, where M Asnikumar Singh was joined by L Joykumar Singh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife, territorial circle I & II, administration & planning) and other dignitaries.

The event featured cultural performances by students, including a folk song by Nganthoibi Ningthoujam celebrating Loktak Ema, and the prize distribution for the painting competition held on World Environment Day 2024 .

The highlight of the day was the State-level seminar on "Loktak Lake - Challenges Ahead," where esteemed speakers such as Professor Ksh Lalbihari Singh, Life Science Department, MU; K Jugeshwore, environmentalist and Ng Sanajaoba Meitei, SE, LDA discussed the lake's pressing issues.

The seminar drew hundreds of fishing community members from across the Loktak area, including community leaders from Thanga, Kumbi, Hiyanglam, Sugnu, Mayang Imphal constituencies, with women making up the majority of participants.

On the occasion, LDA Chairman stressed that development without due regard for environmental well-being has placed Loktak lake in a precarious situation.

It is time for Government organizations and local communities to unite in addressing this challenge, he added.

He also outlined various measures taken by both the Union and State Government to protect Loktak and its surrounding communities, including the approval of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP), ongoing boundary demarcation process, need for an environmental impact assessment of the Loktak hydro project among others.

LDA has extended to the Loktak Lake Development Organization, Manipur (LLDOM), the People's Committee on Restoration of Loktak Lake & its Associated Wetlands (PCRLAWM), community leaders, youth and the people of Thanga for their active participation in the celebrations and their continued efforts in conserving Loktak lake.

Comment