A need for sustained effort to conserve Loktak Lake

Shri Moirnagthem Asnikumar Singh chaired a joint meeting attended by PD, SE, PC, and Scientists of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and thoroughly reviewed the present activities undertaken by LDA including Scientific, Laboratory, Catchment Areas Treatment, GIS mapping, etc on Thursday 25th of August 2022.

At the meeting, it was decided that:

a) The proper functioning of the Laboratory is crucial to the conservation efforts of LDA, and there is a need for constant monitoring of the lab by Senior officers. All necessary logistical support will be provided to personnel involved for the proper functioning of the lab.

b) A new strategy needs to be chalked out to decompose and convert biomass into bio-fertilizer and to expand the production capacity of the existing bio-fertilizer plant at Ningthoukhong. The required scientific and processing equipment shall be provided by the concerned decorator officer as soon as possible. The work will start with a thorough cleaning of the existing plant led by PC/LDA.

c) The Chairman along with senior officers and scientists (catchment) shall pay a field visit to the immediate Catchment Villages of Loktak lake and interact with communities to review the completed catchment treatment work and identify areas for catchment area treatment at the earliest.

d) LDA will expeditiously compile a report identifying the encroachers inside loktak lake and its associated wetlands and submit it to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for consideration.

Moreover, PD, SE(wetland in charge), and the GIS team will prepare an overall status of Loktak lake & its associated wetlands in a PPT format and make a presentation to the Hon’ble CM without delay.

The Chairman also instructed the PD and SE to further pursue the project of implementation of a fish screen/strainer along the Loktak Power Channel on a priority basis to prevent fish from flowing towards the power channel from Loktak lake with the Gr. GM Loktak HE Project, NHPC Ltd.

A decision was also made to provide bio-digester toilets for fishing communities residing in Champu Khangpok floating village and the creation of a community cum cultural center. LDA will also construct a bailey bridge along the Khordak river soon.