Conservation of Loktak Lake echoed on 44th World Wetland Day observance
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 02 2015: As in other parts of the world, the 44th World Wetland Day was observed by Environment & Ecology Wing in collaboration with ALLAFUM, ACOAMLup, AMPFA, AMTPWA, AMUCO, CCDD, CORE, COHR, CRA, CSD, HERICOUN, HRA, INTACH-Manipur, IPSA, IP, LFWA, LIFEWATCH, NIPCO, PRDA, REACH-M, REACHOUT, UCM and UPF at Loktak Lake on Monday.

The observance held under the theme 'Loktak Wetlands for Our Future' started with M Asnikumar, general secretary of BJP Manipur Pradesh flagging off Peace Canoe Procession and awareness campaign from Thanga Haoreng Chingyang.

Villagers from different parts of Thanga with their boats participated in the awareness campaign.

The canoe procession passed through Thanga Haoreng Chingkha, Samukon, Oinam, Salam, Heisnam, Karang and ended at Thanga Haoreng Chingyang.

Conservation of Loktak Lake echoed on 44th World Wetland Day observance

Speaking to media persons, Asnikumar observed that the observance of World Wetland Day shares close relationship with conservation of Loktak Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the northeastern States while lamenting that the construction of Loktak Hydel Power Project and mixing of polluted waters from water bodies like Nambul River in Loktak Lake have posed a potential threat to the existence of the lake.

He said that farmers using pesticides and insecticides instead of adopting scientific and eco-friendly ways in farmlands are some of the reasons for causing pollution in and around the lake.

Pointing out that the construction of Loktak Hydel Power Project and Ithai Barrage have adversely affected ecological cycle of Loktak Lake, Asnikmar expressed discontentment to the concerned authorities for not taking up prompt measures to save the lake which is now in dilapidated condition.

Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 unlike International Wetland Protection Act has proved disastrous for fishermen and villagers residing in and around the lake.

The government should review the act as it is not eco-friendly, he added.

The introduction of the rich culture to the whole world would be incomplete without Loktak Lake.

The lake is a big source of livelihood for many people apart from being a centre of varieties of flaura and fauna, he maintained.

Stating that the construction of Loktak Hydel Power Project has also affected habitat of Keibul Lamjao National Park which is home to brow-antlered Sangai deer, he called upon the people to join hands together to conserve the Loktak Lake.

Referring to the fraudulent phumdis clearance of Loktak Lake involving crores of rupee, Asnikumar assured that the BJP Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not spare any of the individuals who are involved in the scam.

He then informed that a close aide of PM Narendra Modi would inspect the Loktak Lake on February 5 and 6 .

Oinam Rajen, secretary of All Loktak Lake Areas Fisherman's Union and RK Ranjan, ex-BJP candidate also spoke on relevant topics during the occasion which was also attended by several representatives of National Geographic.