Imphal, June 10, 2020 (DIPR): Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Shri Awangbow Newmai said in order to save and protect the future and life of the people of Manipur, it is necessary to safeguard the Loktak Lake. He made the statement today at the reception cum felicitation programme organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at the 2nd Floor, Secure Building Complex.
Speaking at the function, Minister Awangbow Newmai said Loktak Lake is the source of life for the people of Manipur and survival will be difficult without its existence. Stating that the State is facing water scarcity both in the valley and in the hills, he expressed serious concern over the drying up of rivers and water bodies of the State. He opined that if all the rivers of the State get dried up in the future, than the last resort would be using the water of Loktak Lake.
He opined that saving and protecting Loktak Lake is proportionally related to the survival of life and future of the people of Manipur. Cautioning that a day will come when we will fully depend on the lake water, he said at present the lake is endangered by various elements such as encroachment, reduction in water level among others. He cautioned that if the lake is not saved then in the near future the people of the State will face extreme difficulty.
Minister Awangbow assured full cooperation from his side and welcomed ideas and suggestions from the officials of the LDA. He hoped that with the joint cooperation between the Government, LDA officials and the people of the State will surely pave a way to save the Loktak Lake.
Ng. Sanajaoba Singh, Superintendent Engineer, LDA presented a detailed power-point presentation on “Conservation and Management of Loktak Lake”.
Loktak Development Authority (LDA) was established in 1987 under Societies Registration Act. It functioned under the aegis of IFCD and later reassigned to the Forest and Environment Department. LDA was reconstituted as a statutory body enacting the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act, 2006. In 2019 it was mandated to manage the associated wetlands (Pumlen, Ikop, Kharung, Khoidum among others).
Shri L. Sushindro Singh, Chairman LDA, Shri MH Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), LDA Project Director Shri L. Bhagaton Singh and officials of the LDA attended the function. (DIPR)