New road around Loktak in the offing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06, 2012: A new road would be constructed around Loktak Lake starting from this year under Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

The Government decided to construct a new road under PMGSY to inter-connect villages located around Lok-tak Lake as a two-pronged strategy, first to conserve Loktak Lake without affecting its natural features and then help in protecting the Loktak Lake from any anthropocentric activities, informed a source.

At present, LDA is undertaking a mapping exercise of Loktak Lake using GPS technology so as to establish the exact area of the lake.

Once the mapping exercise is completed and the exact boundaries of the lake established, those living and holding pattas inside the lake would be evicted.

The proposed new road is also expected to improve tourism infrastructure around the lake which is also the biggest fresh water lake in the entire North East region of India.

Chief Minister O Ibobi has already held an official meeting on the proposed road which is likely to be 120 feet wide.

The meeting also reviewed the works being carried out by the LDA and Revenue Department to find out the exact territory of Loktak lake.

On the other hand, a top official of Forest Department claimed that Ferrigunous Pochhard and Dartu species of migratory birds which are included in the red list of IUCN and Large Whistling Teal species which are included under Schedule I were found during counting of migratory birds conducted by Forest Department together with Bombay Natural History Society in and around Loktak Lake in February this year.

Altogether 52 different species of birds were recorded during the same exercise which was supported by LDA.

Out of them, 22 species are migratory birds which come to the lake during winter months.

Another 25 species are permanent inhabitants of the lake and surrounding areas.

Headcount of Sangais living in Keibul Lamjao National Park would be conducted in October this year, added the source.

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