Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 10 2010:
The six day Water Festival organised by the Loktak Lake Fishermen Welfare Society as part of observation of World Environment Day concluded with showcase of traditional cultural programmes at Loktak.
The festival was celebrated with the theme to make Loktak Lake, a tourist attraction point and save it.
Government chief whip, MLA T Mangibabu graced as chief guest of concluding function of the festival presided over by MLA M Prithivraj.
Showcase of the fishing method by women using boat and other forms of fishing method practice by the fishermen of the lake and presentation of traditional dance and other cultural items of various communities and tribes marked the concluding function of the celebration.
People coming up to attend the function were not happy when the festival which was to begin from 10 am was at 3 pm due to the late arrival of MLA M Prithivraj who was to preside over the function.
Unable to supply different indigenous eatable items to the people thronging at the festival invited added ire of the people to the late commencement of the function.
Speaking at the concluding function which started with a delay of about five hours, Chief Guest, T Mangibabu observed that the wave of tourism, though it was late, arrived in the state too.
Now, people also started knowing that Loktak is one of the tourist destination points.
Knowing the fact, government is investing huge funds in development of infrastructures for tourism in Loktak Lake, he said urging the people to cooperate with the government efforts.
Speaking as president of the function, MLA Prithivraj observed that it is not only the duty of the people residing at the bank of the lake which would take role in saving the lake but a concerted effort of the people is also a must.
He also expressed confident that the lake can be keep clean if the fishermen use new method of fishing techniques now started by some fishermen.