Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 16 (EMN): Newly appointed chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Asnikumar Moirangthem said that the government will examine and find a feasible mechanism to conserve Pumlen, a threatened lake, from extinction in consultation with all the concerned stakeholders at the earliest.
LDA Chairman Moirangthem made the assurance during his maiden visit to the historic lake after assuming the charge of LDA along with Hiyanglam MLA, Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam and other officials on May 15.
“With a long term vision, LDA will adopt the mandate of ‘Wise Use Policy’ for this endangered lake”, Asnikumar said. “Restoration and conservation of our state’s wetlands is an important facet of the chief minister’s environment agenda for Manipur”, he added.
During the day’s visit, the chairman inspected the present status of the lake, which had been deteriorating gradually since the construction of Ithai Barrage as part of the Loktak Project in 1983 over the Imphal River. With the Ithai Barrage obstructing the weeds of the lake from flowing down, 80% of the lake has been covered under thick weeds leaving almost no space for the fishermen to earn their living.
LDA chairman informed that the lake is home to many rare migratory birds like Meitingu, Surit Nganu, Umu, Chongkhu, Ushai, Tharoichabi, Uren, Thembi, Uthum and Storks. Earlier, the villagers used to catch plenty of fishes like Pengba, Sareng, Ngakra, Khabak, Ngaton and Porom. But now, they are now able to catch only a few Porom, Ngachik, Ngamu, Ukabi, Katala, Ngapai, Ngapemma and Muka Nga fish.
He said, “We have witnessed that most of the shore area of the lake dries up in the winter season, which has led to less production of aquatic vegetables – Yellang, Loklei, Pullei, Komprek, Thangjing and Thamchet. It was abundant in the past and now, this has affected the livelihood of the dwellers of the lake.”
The lake has witnessed an irregular dramatic increase in weeds since 2003-04. If the dramatic increase of weeds remains unchecked at its rate, it would not take long for the lake to go extinct and this is a very serious concern of our state government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who has already called for conservation of environment, forest and wetlands of the state for the present and future generations, he said.
It may be mentioned that Pumlen Lake, covering a total area of 22 sq. km approximately, is an iconic lake of Manipur and is the second largest lake of the state (next only to Loktak Lake) and located in Kakching district under Hiyanglam assembly constituency.
The lake has been the main source of income of the people living around it. It lies between Mondum ranges in the south, Khoidum and Lamjao in the north, Burma Sugnu road in the east and Imphal River in the west. Chingjao, Chingkok, Chingmei and Hapcha are important islands of the lake.
Unfortunately, the fate of this historic lake looms large on the verge of extinction with the Loktak Hydel Project being its predator compounded by the greed/lack of awareness of the dwellers of lake, who every year, encroach a vast tract of the lakeshore for their farming purposes.
