CM convenes meet on spruce-up of Loktak hydro project
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 14 2023: In a concerted effort to address the widespread concerns surrounding the Loktak Hydro Electric Project (LHEP) and its impact on communities, agricultural lands, and the ecosystem, Chief Minister N Biren, in collaboration with the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), has convened a joint stakeholder meeting on Friday.

The primary focus of the joint meeting is to discuss the modernisation plan put forth by the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) for the Loktak Hydro Electric Project, commonly known as Loktak Project.

Since its inauguration in 1983, the Loktak Project has significantly impacted Loktak Lake's ecosystem, leading to submergence of approximately 80,000 acres of land in the lake's periphery.

Expected to draw the participation of key ministers, including those in charge of forest & environment, power & agriculture, water resources, public works, fishery, PHED and CAF&PD, as well as education & law, and local MLAs from Thanga, Moirang, Kumbi, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal, LDA chairman, chief secretary, administrative secretaries, and department heads, the meeting aims to address critical issues associated with the modernisation of Loktak Project.

The Biren government, along with LDA, is taking up measures to evaluate and mitigate the negative impacts linked to the project, aligning with LDA's conservation mission.

Key topics of discussion will include environmental degradation, community displacement, socio-economic changes with a focus on sustaining livelihoods, and alterations to the local ecosystem.

The meeting is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns and collectively explore sustainable alternatives.

The state government is looking towards comprehensive rejuvenation of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands, with an aim to implement all conceivable measures for the well-being of present and future generations.

In a parallel initiative, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar, has taken up steps to address outstanding environmental concerns linked to the Loktak Project.

Recognising the importance of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in North East India, as a Ramsar Protected Site since 1990, Asnikumar has drawn attention to the pressing ecological challenges, necessitating a thoughtful and strategic approach.

Following multiple correspondences with the NHPC, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Asnikumar has brought to light serious breaches in administrative procedures related to the submission of the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the modernisation of Loktak Project.

Consequently, a high-level meeting was held in New Delhi earlier this week, wherein Asnikumar, accompanied by the LDA team and state government officials, presented a detailed account on the critical issues associated with the modernisation plan of the Loktak Hydro Electric Project.

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