2nd Tadui Tako Festival underway at Senapati village
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, August 20 2025: The 2nd Tadui Tako (Himalayan crocodile newt of Zaimeng Lake) Festival organised by Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change commenced at Thonglang Atongba village on Wednesday.

The inauguration programme was attended by Tamei MlLA Awangbow Newmai as chief guest and Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur president R Machundoubou as functional president, while former Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei and Tuijang Waichong block SDO/BDO Hemant Kumar were guests of honour, and Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee president MK Somi as chief host.

The festival provides tourists with an opportunity to visit Zaimeng Lake, a treasure that is hidden away in the hills of the Maraobo Range, an extension of the Tapabou Range (Koubru Range) .

2nd Tadui Tako Festival underway at Senapati village

The Zaimeng Lake is one of the highland lakes/wetlands in Manipur, located above 2,000 feet and surrounded by Thonglang Akutpa, Thonglang Atongba and Chawangkining villages under Kangpokpi district.

The Zaimeng is a Li-angmai word which literally means perplex or puzzle lake (Zai lake, meng-perplex or puzzle).

The Himalayan crocodile newt (salamander) known as 'Tadui Tako' in Liangmai dialect is rare and endangered species which is abundantly found in Zaimeng Lake.

'Tadui Tako' is stated to be the most primitive amphibian species among the living salamanders.

The species has a lizard-like body and is known to reproduce from March to September.

The amphibian is listed under the endangered class of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 .

Speaking as chief guest, MLA Awangbow Newmai cautioned that if human activities pose threat to nature it would be difficult for mankind to survive.

By working with the earth rather than against it, one can tap into its rhythms and resources and thrive in harmony with the natural world, he said.

Mani Charenamei also stressed the importance of Zaimeng Lake, pointing out that since time immemorial, the Lake and its eco-system has provided natural resources and livelihood, nurturing fields, sustaining wildlife, and shaping the traditions and cultural identity.

Charenamei also asserted that it is a cradle of biodiversity, reservoir of clean water and a sanctuary of countless species.

Protecting Zaimeng Lake is not just preserving water and land but also shielding human lives, he said, while urging for declaring Zaimeng Lake and its surrounding forests as a community protected ecosystem, ensuring that any development is balanced with conservation.

As a part of the festival, awareness speeches on the impact of climate change on the habitats of Himalayan crocodile newt of Zaimeng Lake were delivered by subject experts.

Directorate of Environment & Climate Change programme officer SK Gainaimei delivered the key note address of the festival as another programme officer Dr Habibullah Khan led the technical session.

Cultural dances, 'Hooing', traditional choreography were showcased by the locals on the occasion.

The second day of the festival on Thursday will include site visit to Zaimeng Lake.