Biren chairs meet on sustainable Loktak HEP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 15 2023: Chief Minister N Biren convened a joint stakeholders' meeting to discuss the critical matter of the 'Modernisation of Loktak Hydro-Electric Project - Sustainability of Loktak Lake'.

The meeting, held at the CM's secretariat and attended by key ministers, MLAs, and authorities, aimed to address the adverse impacts of the project, with special focus on the consequences of Ithai Barrage construction.

Forest and environment minister Th Biswajit, works minister K Govindas, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, PHE minister L Susindro, fisheries minister H Dingo, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar, MLAs of Thanga, Moirang, Mayang Imphal, Wangoi, Oinam and Kumbi assembly constituencies, chief secretary, PCCF cum chief wildlife warden, and administrative secretaries & HoDs of departments concerned (power, agriculture, fishery, revenue, environment & ecology, LDA), attended the meeting.

During the meeting, LDA brought up a PowerPoint presentation shedding light on the severe impacts of Loktak Hydro-Electric Project, with specific emphasis on the consequences of Ithai Barrage.

These impacts included water level stagnation, land inundation beyond the lake's confines, and critical ecological, social, and economic challenges faced by local communities.

Expressing concern over the deteriorating state of Loktak Lake and associated wetlands, CM Biren emphasised the significance of these ecosystems from the ecological, socio-economic, and cultural aspects.

Strategies for cleaning up rivers flowing into the lake were discussed, and the CM directed LDA and environment department to expedite the clean-up process.

LDA chairman M Asnikumar highlighted the loss of agricultural land, community displacement, and ecological losses due to the Loktak Hydro-Electric Project.

He proposed initiating an Environmental lmpact Assessment (EIA) by constituting a committee and putting the modernisation on hold until Environmental Clearance ns issued.

He also informed that the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Loktak Lake is complete and likely to be approved by the MoEF & CC .

In response to the gravity of the situation, the CM proposed a decisive plan of action, including deploying an expert team for a comprehensive project impact assessment and securing necessary environmental clearances.

An agreement was also reached to undertake boundary demarcation of Loktak Lake in consultation with MLAs of assembly constituencies in the lake's ecosystem areas.

The LDA chairman's proposal also got support from works minister K Govindas, who underscored the critical issue of sedimentation, advocating for a comprehensive conservation approach and recommending an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) while halting modernisation efforts.

Minister Biswajit recommended acquiring extra'power alongside the complimentary power allocation for Manipur through a new power purchasing arrangement.

The CM suggested renegotiating power benefits and exploring water level optimisation for ecosystem health, especially in the Sangai habitat of Keibul Lamjao National Park, and addressing various human demands, including power.

He emphasised the need for overall ecosystem restoration and conservation of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only natural habitat of the world-famous Sangai.

The meeting also agreed to convene a joint meeting involving the Ministry of EF&CC, Power, Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission (CWC), NHPC Ltd, WISA, departments concerned of the state government under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

Suggesting to proactively engage citizens, especially those living on the periphery of the lake, the Chief Minister urged active participation in conservation initiatives led by LDA, who also stated, "Prioritising the conservation of Loktak is paramount" .

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