Amidst the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and the local fishing community are urging the public to assume the role of responsible guardians for Loktak Lake, a significant natural resource in the region. Loktak Lake, renowned for its floating islands and scenic landscape, stands as one of the largest freshwater bodies in northeastern India and holds international importance as a Ramsar Convention wetland.
Chairman of Loktak Development Authority, Asni Kumar Singh, has called on the communities around Loktak Lake to halt the illegal use of the electric shock method for fishing and the unauthorized hunting of waterfowl. Emphasizing the lake’s ecological, socio-economic, and cultural significance, Singh highlighted its role as a symbol of Manipuri civilization and culture, portraying it not merely as a source of livelihood but as a revered entity.
Expressing concern about the detrimental effects of illegal fishing and hunting on the fragile lake ecosystem, Singh has issued a plea for collective environmental responsibility. He urged the public to comprehend the serious threats posed by such activities to the biodiversity of Loktak Lake and to promptly report any instances of illegal actions.
The plea aligns with the Loktak Development Authority’s mission to preserve the lake’s ecological integrity. Singh assured strict action against offenders, emphasizing that such actions not only harm the environment but also undermine the state government’s conservation efforts.
The chairman’s appeal follows a call by the All Loktak Lake Area Fishers Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM), to ban fishing with LED lights, a practice compromising conservation objectives. Oinam Rajen Singh, Secretary of ALLAFUM, condemned nocturnal fishing using LED lights, stating it leads to overfishing and disrupts migratory water bird feeding grounds.
The Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act, 2006, prohibits certain activities in designated zones of the lake to ensure its conservation and preservation. Loktak Lake, a major tourist attraction in the region, holds immense ecological and cultural importance, making responsible guardianship crucial for its sustainable future.
