World Wetlands Day Save Loktak for the future call sounded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 02 2015: As observed elsewhere across the planet, the World Wetlands Day 2015 was observed today in the State too at Thanga Haoreng Chingyang on the theme 'Loktak Wetlands for Our Future' .

As a part of the observance, a boat rally was held at Loktak lake.

The boat rally was held highlighting certain demands such as protection of Loktak lake for future generations, annulment of the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act, de-commissioning of the Ithai Barrage in order to save Loktak lake and enactment of the Manipur Loktak Lake Fishermen Rights and Welfare Act.

The boat race was flagged off from Thanga Haoreng Chingyang and terminated at the starting point after circling through Chingkha, Samukon, Oinam, Salam, Heisnam, Karang etc.

The World Wetlands Day observance was jointly organised by ALLAFUM, ACOMLUP, AMPFA, AMTPWA, AMUCO, CCDD, CORE, COHR, CRA, CSD, HERICOUN, HRA, HRI, INTACH-Manipur, IPSA, IP, LFWA, Life Watch, NIPCO, PRDA, Reach-M, Reach-out, UCM, UPF, Environment and Ecology Wing, Government of Manipur and people settled in and around Loktak lake.

Boat rally at Loktak lake

Speaking at the gathering, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary M Ashnikumar said that Loktak lake has been degenerating fast because of Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric project, draining of Nambul and other rivers at the lake and use of pesticides and insecticides in nearby paddy fields.

On the other hand, since Ithai Barrage was commissioned, silts and waste materials deposited at the lake have been piling up at the lake which otherwise should be drained through the channel.

The issue deserves immediate attention of the Government, Ashnikumar asserted.

In view of the highly polluted water of Nambul river, the Government need to take up necessary steps for a river water treatment plant.

The Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act is in contravention of many international laws.

It directly challenges the livelihood of all fishing families who are dependent on the lake.

These fishing families can never be separated from Loktak lake and there is an urgent need to devise ways and means for protection of Loktak lake in a scientific manner.

The existing condition of Loktak lake has also jeopardised the survival of Sangai in their only natural habitat of Keibul Lamjao.

Already, different species of plants and animals have started disappearing.

Loktak is a rare asset of Manipur and the lake must be protected at all costs, Ashnikumar asserted.

Prof Naorem Joykumar observed that filling up certain portions of Loktak lake in the name of development activities is not advisable.

The Government should take up necessary initiatives whole-heartedly in order to protect Loktak lake before people come out on the streets for a massive civil movement.

It is not justified for the Government to blame fishermen and people of surrounding areas for pollution and degeneration of Loktak lake.

One primary factory for the ever degrading condition of the lake is the Ithai Barrage, Prof Joykumar asserted.

Denying fishermen accessibility to the Loktak lake and burning down of huts belonging to fishing families were nothing but gross violation of human rights, said one speaker.

Driving off fishing families from the lake in the name of protecting it is sheer injustice, he added.