Imphal, December 18 2010: A public debate held today at Thanga Heisnam Yumjao Lairembi resolved to demand abolition of Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 among others.

The public discussion was organized by Loktak People's Forum, an apex body of Loktak Project Affected Area Development Action Committee, Hut Dwellers' Progressive Association and All Loktak Phumdou Koitha Owners Welfare Association.

The resolution passed in the discussion includes abolition of the Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006, not to support to any policy for saving Loktak drafted without consent with the people and to press authorities review Loktak Project and Ethai Barrage after public hearing is conducted.

The discussion also resolved to launch movements to press authorities to translate the above resolutions into work and to hold series of public meetings in and around the Loktak area to aware the people on the matters.

Speaking as resource person at the public discussion, CCDD member RK Ranjan observed that the Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 is not an Act which will benefit the people.

It lacks distinct demarcation of Core Zone and Buffer Zone.

When the Act is fully implemented, it will give a big impact to the life of the fishermen of the lake.

Considering future faith of the lake the act should be abolished and make Act which will protect interest of the fishermen and people living in and around the lake, he lamented.

CCDD member Salam Rajesh who also talked at the discussion said support the observation made by Ranjan.

TIPS president, Md Islam stressed the need of imparting awareness on the provision of Loktak Lake (Protection) Act to the people first before the Act is fully enacted.

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