As someone who grew up in Manipur, I am emotionally connected to Loktak Lake and I feel that all the stakeholders work together , we can preserve this amazing wonder of nature for our future generations
Saroj Kumar
In this ongoing winter session of the Parliament, Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista, who was born in Nepali-dominated Char Hajare area in Kangpokpi district of Manipur raised questions on 26th November regarding Loktak Lake of Manipur.
Bista raised the question about the plights of the farmers who continue to suffer during the floods from the Ithai barrage , steps taken by the government to upkeep the ecological integrity of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KNLP) and to conserve Sangai, the state animal of Manipur.
In reply DONER Ministry attributed the flooding around Loktak lake to the Sugnu hump in the downstream of Ithai barrage. Further it is informed that Manipur Government has proposed for preparation of a master plan to the Brahmaputra Board for dredging or re sectioning of the river downstream of Ithai barrage for mitigation or control of flood.
To upkeep the ecological integrity of the park, the Ministry informed that several steps have been taken up by the State Government including improvement of habitat conditions and protection measures, involvement of local community, participation in conservation efforts, skill development, and capacity building of frontline field staff posted in the national park periodically.
The ministry also informed that “research and monitoring of habitat of National park for detection of change in the natural habitat” is also being carried out regularly.
For the conservation of Sangai , the Ministry informed that an MoU has been signed with Wildlife Institute of India for implementing the project “Conservation action plan for Manipur’s brow antlered deer or Sangai : An integrated approach,” under the endangered species recovery programme of the Ministry of Environment , Forest and Climate Change.
Raju Bista while being satisfied by the response said that ‘as someone who grew up in Manipur, I am emotionally connected to Loktak Lake and I feel that all the stakeholders work together , we can preserve this amazing wonder of nature for our future generations.’
This was informed through a press statement from the MPs office sent to Manipur Information and Public Relations Department . He reiterated and said “I will do everything I can to uphold the natural and ecological integrity of our northeast region.”
“ I am thankful to the DONER Minister for addressing to my concerns in such detail, I
also thank the government of Manipur for the tremendous work being done to conserve the Loktak lake and the steps being taken towardscapacity building of the local inhabitants, Bista further added.
Loktak Lake located in Bishnupur district of Manipur is the biggest fresh water lake in the northeast, which is adjoining Keibul Lamjao National Park is the largest floating park in the world and home to the rare Brow Antlered Deer popularly known as Sangai.
