TODAY -
Convention calls for decommissioning of Loktak Project
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, December 10 2023:
Reiterating the popular demand to save Loktak lake, renowned playwright Ranjit Ningthouja has shed light on the impacts of the Loktak Hydro Electric Project on the lake and its ecosystem.
He was speaking at a public convention on "Impacts of Loktak Hydro Electric Project" organised by the Peoples Committee on Restoration of Loktak and Its Associated Wetlands Manipur (PCRLAWM) at Ithai Wapokpi under Kumbi Assembly Constituency today.
Addressing the gathering, Ranjit Ningthouja highlighted the gradual disappea- rance of indigenous/local varieties of fishes which were earlier found in abundance at the lake.
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Pointing out the disappearance of agricultural fields and water chestnuts from the lake and its surrounding regions, the play- wright categorically asserted that the Loktak Project has wreaked havoc on the original habitat of the brow antlered deer, Sangai, which is endemic to the Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) .
Stating that water is life, he maintained that terminating the Loktak Hydroelectric Project to save the Loktak lake is acceptable.
Electricity can be produced from sunlight and the wind and not necessarily the water.
But once the Loktak lake disappears, the impact on the State and the Meitei community will be devastating, he added.
Calling upon all the people to join the movement to save the Loktak lake, he further urged them to only vote for those political parties/candidates who put stress on saving the lake in their manifesto and has the courage to ask for termination of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project at the Assembly for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The State Government might support the Loktak Project but the indigenous people should advocate for saving the Loktak lake, he added.
Resource persons who attended the convention pointed out the ecological imbalance in the form of decrease in the number of migratory birds, disappearance of various plants previously found at the lake etc caused by the setting up of the Ithai Barrage under the Loktak Project.
The public convention also passed resolutions, including, opposing the extension of the National Hydro Project Corporation (NHPC) by another 25 years, review of Loktak Protection Act 2006, expanding the executive committee of PCRLAWM, making NHPC pay appropriate compensation for the damages they have inflicted, among others.
The gathering also resolved to submit their resolutions to the officials of the NHPC.
Today's convention was attended by Soibam Tomba, convenor, PCRLAWM; environmental journalist Rajesh Salam; RK Birjit, State Coordinator, Indian Bird Conservation Network; K Jugeshor, retd Principal, Kumbi College; playwright Ranjit Ningthouja and other eminent personalities as well as residents living in the surrounding regions of Loktak lake.
The gathering also shouted many slogans opposing extension of NHPC and calling to save the Loktak lake.
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