LDA seeks centre's aid to safeguard Loktak ecosystem
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, September 14 2023:
Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar has made an urgent appeal to union minister of power, new and renewable energy RK Singh for taking up action to safeguard the ecosystem of Loktak and its surrounding areas.
Copies of the appeal has also been reportedly sent to the Prime Minister's Office and the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.
In a communique, Asnikumar highlighted the environmental impact of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in 1984, that has raised serious concerns about its long-term environmental and socio-economic impact, necessitating a comprehensive review.
Asnikumar emphasised the significance of Loktak Lake, which holds immense cultural, traditional, and economic importance in Manipur, apart from its ecological value.
The lake serves as a vital water source for irrigation and household use and has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic fabric of the region for centuries.
The appeal also highlighted the key concerns that include the need to consider changes in hydrological patterns that have developed over the past 39 years, address the deteriorating ecology of Loktak Lake and its catchment area, and mitigate the impact on the socio-economic conditions of the communities dependent on the lake and its associated wetlands.
The importance of a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) that addresses these concerns was also emphasised in the appeal and proposes adequate financial provisions for effective implementation of necessary measures.
In the appeal, the LDA chairman stresses that the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Loktak Hydel Project by NHPC Ltd must prioritise sustainability, the well-being of local communities, and public interest.
The cultural, traditional, and economic importance of Loktak Lake to Manipur is immeasurable, making it a collective responsibility to protect and preserve this invaluable natural resource for future generations.
In response to the appeal, Sanjeev Sanyal from the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister reached out to the chairman and managing director of NHPC Ltd Faridabad (Haryana) with a letter emphasising the Lake's importance for Manipur and as a national heritage site on August 11, 2023 .
Furthermore, in response to the appeal, the Wetland Division of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change has made reference to the directive given to NHPC regarding prior approval from the ministry for the proposed modernisation of the Loktak Hydel Project.
This directive was conveyed through a letter dated May 5, 2023, to the chairman cum managing director, NHPC Ltd Faridabad (Haryana) .
As a result, the ministry has directed the necessary action to be taken promptly and has apprised the chairman of the Loktak Development Authority with intimation to the ministry in a letter sent on September 9, 2023 .
The chairman said that such development underscores the commitment of both the state and Union government authorities in safeguarding Loktak Lake and its vital role in Manipur's heritage and the nation's natural legacy for future generations.
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