Dr Ranjan bats for Loktak Lake
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2019:
Lok Sabha MP has written to Union Minister of Tourism and Culture (Independent charge) Prahlad Singh Patel to reconsider Loktak Lake for developing 17 iconic tourism sites to world class tourism centres as announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on July 5.In his letter, Dr Ranjan pointed out that Loktak Lake is the largest natural fresh water lake in the North East region and plays an important role in the ecology and economy of the region.
The lake is rich in biodiversity and has been designated as a wetland of international importance under RAMSAR Convention in 1990.People of Manipur are socially, economically, culturally and ecologically connected with Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park.
At Moirang, there is a war memorial of World War II at the periphery of the lake where the Indian National Army (INA) first hoisted the Indian National flag on April 14, 1944 .
Moirang is also the abode of pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing.
It was from the village of Moirang that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated, the MP pointed out in his letter.
Highlighting the historical, socio-cultural and ecological significances of Loktak Lake and Moirang, the MP urged the Union Minister to reconsider Loktak Lake as one of the iconic tourist sites so that the lake can be developed as a world class tourist destination.