LOKTAK LAKE AND RECENT CONTROVERSY

Loktak Lake Authority of Manipur recently issued a notice to remove all floating houses and fishing structures on Loktak lake. This has received a sharp reaction from the local Fishing Community & Homestay Operators.

What are the Issues?

There is a Lack of regulation.
There is a growing number of homestays and huts that are constructed and have put the lake at vital risk, and even impacting the environment.
There has been a sharp reduction in fish production and the traditional fisheries due to a major hydropower project that was started in the year 1983.
The Ithai barrage, commissioned in 1983, has brought about drastic changes in the characteristics of the wetland.
Also, there is a loss of huge agricultural land due to inundation and increased levels of sediments and pollutants by untreated rivers.
This step was taken to rejuvenate the ecological condition of Loktak lake and delist it from the Montreux record.

The lake covers 61 per cent of the total identified wetlands of the state. It plays a significant part in the socio-economic and cultural life of Manipuris. So, the locals are protesting against the government's decisions.

About Loktak lake

It is the largest freshwater lake in the North–East India
Loktak Lake is in Bishnupur District which is 48kms from the Imphal City of Manipur.
Fishermen living in floating islands called Phumdis in floating huts known as Phumsangs are one of the unique sights of this lake
The only floating National Park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park located on Loktak Lake, is the last natural habitat of the “Sangai” (Rucervus Eldii), the dancing deer of Manipur.
In addition, the lake shelters about 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 types of birds, and 400 species of fauna like barking deer, sambar, and Indian python.
Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.

Source: Down to Earth

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