LDA chairman advocates swift approval of conservation plans
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, December 09 2023: M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) had a significant meeting with Leena Nandan, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, at the Parayavaran Bhawan in New Delhi yesterday focusing on the conservation and revival efforts for Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

The LDA chairman emphasized on the urgent need for approval of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP), stating that the conservation of Loktak Lake is paramount, and the swift approval of the IMP is crucial for its sustainable management, said a statement.

He also shared the State Government's vision for revitalizing Loktak Lake and the commitment to preserve the ecosystem of the lake and sought collaboration for its comprehensive rejuvenation.

Various pressing issues, including the modernization of the Loktak Hydro Project and the precarious state of Keibul Lamjao Floating National Park, home to the endangered Sangai deer were also discussed.

Opportunities for ecotourism were explored to promote Loktak Lake's cultural significance globally.

The LDA chairman expressed, "We aim to generate employment and raise awareness about the environmental importance of wetlands, aligning with LDA's conservation mission" .

Leela Nandan pledged to expedite the approval of the IMP and assured to take up all possible measures and assistance for the revival of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands .

She expressed serious consideration for the modernization plan of the Loktak Hydel Project, promising a thorough review.

Dr Sujeetkumar Bajpayee, joint secretary (Wetlands) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, also participated in the meeting and emphasized on the collaborative efforts for sustainable management.

The LDA chairman also met with representatives from Oil India Limited and other biofuel experts to deliberate on the conversion of phumdis (floating biomass) into organic fertilizers.

Additionally, they explored the utilization of biomass as an organic fuel source for generating biomass energy.

Given the challenge of high phumdi proliferation in Loktak Lake, this process holds potential to generate employment and offer the lake dwellers an alternative source of income.

It is worth noting that since 2017-18, LDA has diligently urged the Ministry to green-light the IMP for Loktak Lake.

The anticipated approval would signify a milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts.

Collaboratively crafted by Wetland South Asia (WISA) and LDA, the IMP encapsulates a comprehensive strategy for sustainable management.

Stating that the IMP serves as a blueprint for holistic conservation practices, the chairman said, "It fosters a harmonious balance between environmental preservation and sustainable usage, reflecting the shared responsibility and expertise invested in this crucial initiative" .

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