LDA chairman pleads ADB to save Loktak lake
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 25 2024: Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar is taking part in the three-day Tripartite Portfolio Review Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Government of India and Government of Madhya Pradesh being held at Bhopal from Tuesday.

Tripartite Portfolio Review Meeting is held to mark 25th year of collaboration between ADB and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

On the sidelines of the meeting, M Asnikumar met ADB country (India) director Mio Oka and sought help of ADB for projects to save Loktak lake.

Taking advantage of participation at the meeting, a team of LDA along with Asnikumar met experts of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and discussed thoroughly impact of Ithai barrage on ecosystem, socio-economic conditions and cultural fabric of Loktak lake.

During the discussion, the LDA chairman highlighted persisting problems being faced by Loktak lake, adverse impact to lifestyle of people settling around the lake and drew attention of the experts to implement the Post Environmental Impact Assessment as recommended by experts to save Loktak lake.

During the review meeting, the LDA team led by M Asnikumar drew attention of the participants on 'Sustainable Loktak lake ecological restoration, livelihood and eco-tourism project', which is to be taken up with the funding and technical support of ADB.

He also drew attention of the participants on works being taken up under the initiative of chief minister N Biren Singh to save Loktak lake, specifically urging ADB country (India) director Mio Oka and senior officials of the bank to help in saving Loktak lake and implementation of 'Sustainable Loktak lake ecological restoration, livelihood and eco-tourism project', which is under the process of approval.

During the review meeting, secretary (PWD) Ksh Robert also presented a detailed report on works being taken up for the ADB-funded Imphal ring road project.

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