Anthropogenic activities threat to Loktak lake: LDA chairman
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 17 2023: A One-day Stakeholders' Consultative Meeting on the Loktak Lake' was held on Monday at the conference hall of IWT Building, Lake Front Garden, Sendra in Bishnupur district.

The consultative meeting was organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and Manipur Technology Innovation Hub in collaboration with University of Nottingham, UK.

Delivering the inaugural address, LDA chairman M Asnikumar Singh said that the Loktak Lake is one of the main cradles of Manipuri civilization/culture and a main source of livelihood (direct and indirect) for a plethora of households since centuries.

He added, "The ecological value of the Loktak wetland complex is truly vast; it plays a huge role in the overall ecological context.

Sadly, the lake is under serious threat from anthropogenic activities such as encroachment, pollution, and various unplanned developmental activities in and around the lake" .

While stating that the state government is determined to make the Loktak Lake an iconic wetland site in the global context, he informed that under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi and guidance of chief minister N Biren, the Loktak Development Authority is moving ahead with community participation, research, policies and conservation activities to fulfil the mandate of conservation and sustainable management of the lake.

The chairman also informed that LDA has constituted an Expert Advisory Committee to address the issues related to the fast-changing ecological status and their impact on the socio-economic condition of the communities dependent on them, adding that the report of the advisory committee is to be released soon.

Asnikumar further informed that LDA has already drawn up an Integrated Man agement Plan (IMP) in consultation with WISA, and the same is being technically evaluated by IIT Roorkee.

In this regard, an approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has already been sought.

Regarding the same, a high level meeting chaired by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was held in New Delhi recently during which the ministry hinted at swift approval.

Asserting that the state government under the personal supervision of the chief minister is also working on a long-term plan to conserve and preserve the Loktak wetland complex, M Asnikumar stated that it has already approached the Asian Development Bank with a detailed project report to rejuvenate the ecology of the lake and improve the livelihood of those dependent on the lake for sustenance.

Stressing on the importance of participation of the local community and cooperation from the general population as crucial factors to ensure success in the conservation mission, the chairman appealed for participation, cooperation and active support from the local communities (settled in and around the lake) and public of the state.

Asnikumar added, "Such consultative meetings are the need of the hour.

Wetland experts engaging in thorough interactions with the communities/dwellers of the Loktak wetland complex are invaluable in the conservation mission".

On behalf of the LDA, he extended heartfelt gratitude to the faculty members of Nottingham University, UK and Manipur Technology Innovation Hub, Imphal for initiating such a meaningful meeting for Loktak and appealed to them for all possible assistance and sought cooperation for such workshops in the future.

He added, "The LDA looks forward to organising more such meaningful stakeholder consultation meetings/workshops in and around the Loktak wetland complex in the near future".

During the technical session, associate professor and National Geographic explorer of University of Nottingham Dr Virginia Panizzo deliberated on "Lake and River Ecosystem Response to Pollution and Climate Change Impacts: Recent evidence from sites across South East Asia"; SE/Wetland in-charge of LDA Ng Sanajaoba Meetei on "Threats and Challenges in Conservation and initiative of LDA in Conservation of Loktak Lake"; environmentalist and honorary wildlife warden Bishnupur K Jugeshwore Singh on "Importance of Water-birds in the conservation of Loktak lake"; Hamish Duncalf-Youngson of British Geological Survey, on "Understanding Human and Climate Change Impact on Loktak Lake using lake sediments".

An interaction session of stakeholders was also conducted as part of the meeting, which was attended by Dr Rajiv Kangabam, of Manipur Technology Innovation Hub, representatives from community based organisations of the Loktak Lake & catchment area, scientists of LDA and members of Ma nipur Technology Innovation Hub, Imphal.

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