LDA refutes ALLAFUM allegations
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2024:
Loktak Development Authority (LDA) has refuted allegations levelled by All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen's Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) on December 13, as baseless and false.
In a statement released to the press, LDA said that allegations made by ALLAFUM with regard to the inland waterways project in Loktak Lake are unfounded.
Under the Inland Transport Authority of India, Phase-1 of Loktak Inland Transport Project was implemented in 2011-22, while Phase-2 was sanctioned in 2018-19 after details of the project was submitted in 2017 .
However, the Manipur High Court placed a ban on new projects, which resulted in refund of Rs 5 crore to the Inland Transport of India in 2022.Contrary to ALLUFUM's allegations, the visit of the Inland Transport Authority members and subsequent conduct of an interactive session is not related to the inland waterways project in any shape or form.
ALLAFUM's claim of a so-called project does not exist.
As such, LDA urged the fishers' union to communicate with LDA first before spreading misinformation.
Any project taken up by LDA in Loktak Lake is done so after discussing with the fishing community.
Additionally, an important integrated management plan, meant for preservation of the Lake and its ecosystem with the support of the community, is at the final stages of being approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
LDA has been functioning superbly under the leadership of chief minister N Biren.
The state government has also taken up various schemes and projects for the welfare and livelihood of the fishermen.
The Authority places high importance in maintaining transparency, community involvement and sustainable conservation in preservation of Loktak Lake, the press re lease conveyed.