Manipur: LDA Chairman visits Champu Khangpok floating village after 35 years

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 12 (EMN): Newly appointed chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) M Asnikumar Singh became the first LDA chairman in the last 35 years to visit Champu Khangpok, a floating village in Loktak Lake to attend a felicitation function, organised by All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) on May 11.

During the programme, LDA, ALLAFUM and other government authorities unanimously resolved to work closely/unitedly, keeping in mind the government’s vision of saving the lake and the needs and circumstances of the fishermen, who depend on the lake for survival.

Earlier, addressing the felicitation, Singh stressed the fact that the LDA’s purpose is to save Loktak Lake and that the government’s vision for the lake, under the chief minister’s leadership is a holistic approach towards conservation with proper and active participation/contribution from all stakeholders.

He also appealed to the fishermen to be torchbearers in conservation activities as they practically understand the lake’s minute features better than anyone. The grievances and suggestions of the fishermen were also noted by the LDA officials, who accompanied the chairman.

Last month, Singh, who also initiated a review of the Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 appealed to all the stakeholders particularly the local elected representatives for their valuable support while carrying out conservation and sustainable measures for preserving the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.