Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake
Minister urged to approved Integrated Management Plan on Loktak
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2023: Union minister for forest, environment and climate change Bhupender Yadav chaired a joint meeting on Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak wetlands complex at Indira Pary a varan Bhawan, New Delhi on Wednesday.

The meeting, which began from 9.30 am lasted for two hours and was attended by secretary, forest, environment and climate change joint secretary (wetland), inspector general of forest, director (wetland) from the ministry's side, IIT Roorkee professor Arunkumar, WISA, New Delhi director, NHPC Limited director (project), Loktak Hydro Electric Project's chief group GM, and other senior officials from the ministry of forest, environment and climate change.

From Manipur, ministers L Susindro and H Dingo, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, additional chief secretary (forest & environment) MH Khan, principal chief conservator of forests & chief wildlife warden Dr AK Joshi, and LDA project director, and SE cum wetland in-charge attended the meeting.

During the meeting, joint secretary (Wetlands) of the ministry made a PowerPoint presentation on the Integrated Management Plan of Loktak Wetland Complex.

Professor Arun Kumar of IIT Roorkee, who was heavily involved in the technical evaluation of the IMP, explained the techno-ecological view of the IMP, which was prepared by WISA director.

The state team collectively requested the ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetland Complex at the earliest as it is pending since two years.

They also endorsed the ongoing project proposal of the state government for sustainable development and livelihood of Loktak Lake with technological and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) .

Minister Susindro and LDA chairman M Asnikumar expressed displeasure over the non-responsive attitude of NHPC officials over Ithai Dam and water allocation plan of loktak Lake since the past many years.

Susindro also requested for considering logical support to demarcation of the lake from the ministry.' Asnikumar highlighted that Loktak Lake, being one of the cradles of Manipur's civilisation and culture, has huge importance and provides livelihood to lakhs of people of Manipur.

The biotic pressure on the lake is at unbearable level due to multiple factors, he said and added that the declining condition of the lake also invariably affects Keibul Lamjao National park - the habitat of Sangai.

He added that it would be impossible for the state to survive without the Loktak Lake and it is high time to take up appropriate remedies for saving the lake at the highest level.

The state team collectively apprised the ministry about chief minister N Biren's grave concerns regarding the current situation of the lake and also informed the union minister regarding the conservation measures that are currently being undertaken under the personal supervision and direction of the CM.

After patiently hearing, the union minister directed the officials of his ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak wetlands complex to frame a task for delisting of Loktak from Montreux record, directed the Manipur government to take remedies to stop fragmentation of water regime of the lake, to identify & encourage suitable eco-tourism activities, that won't compromise on the ecology of the lake.

He also asked LDA to submit a DPR base on IMP for necessary logistical support from the ministry on priority and further instructed officials of his ministry to clear all paper works before April 28, when he along with his team of officials is scheduled to visit Manipur and Loktak Lake for attending a regional workshop on wise use policy of wetlands in Manipur.

Bhupender Yadav highlighted that restoring and preserving the iconic Loktak Lake and its rare & endangered deer species Sangai is one of the most important tasks of the Union government as well as the Manipur government.

He added that the Union government in cohesion with the government of Manipur will expedite its efforts in mission mode to achieve the objectives of restoring the iconic Loktak Lake & its associated wetlands to pristine condition.

The Manipur team expressed their gratitude to the Union government led by PM Modi for its serious efforts to conserve the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

They also expressed gratitude to union minister Bhupender Yadav for his keen interest and support on the same.

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