Source: The Sangai Express / PIB, DIPR
Imphal, January 02 2022: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav on Sunday chaired a meeting with officials concerned of Manipur Government on an integrated management plan for conservation and preservation of Loktak Lake.
The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Head Office of the State Forest Department, Imphal.
It may be mentioned that the Union Minister is in Imphal on an official tour of Manipur.
Apart from State Forest and Environment Minister Awangbow Newmai, the meeting was also attended by Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) L Susindro Meitei, Thanga AC MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, former Bishnupur AC MLA Govindas Konthoujam, Moirang AC MLA Pukhrem Sharatchandra Singh and officials of State Forest Department, Environment and Climate Change Directorate.
While reviewing various schemes and plans for the conservation and preservation of the biggest fresh water lake in the North East region of the country, Yadav stressed on the need for implementing the integrated management plan of Loktak in a responsible manner.
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Yadav reviews Loktak conservation activities
He said that all plans and projects for the development of the lake would require the maintenance and conservation of the beautiful gift of nature as well as participation of the local community residing at the periphery of the lake.
He added that "the integrated management plan for Loktak Lake will be successful if we keep in mind local aspirations and ambitions".
The Union Minister stated that his Ministry is committed to the preservation and conservation of the lake from deteriorating over the years due to human activities.
He added, "We should think of developing this gift of nature as the periphery of the Loktak Lake has a lot of species including endangered ones and migratory birds arriving in the lake" .
During the meeting, officials of the State Forest Department and Environment and Climate Change Directorate presented a power point presentation on the activities being taken up by the departments and LDA for the conservation and preservation of the lake.
In a joint press conference held after the meeting, Awangbow Newmai said that the meeting was held with an objective to save Loktak Lake.
He said the Union Minister gave assurance to extend full support to all the plans to preserve and protect the lake.
Meanwhile, LDA Chairman L Susindro Meitei informed that the Union Minister gave his commitment to over Rs 97 crore conservation plan proposal which was put up in the meeting today for the conservation efforts of Loktak Lake.
He also stated that plans to provide sustainable livelihood for fishermen at the periphery area are in the pipeline.
The stakeholders attending the meeting were Good Will Mission Manipur, Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife and Biodiversity (JCCWB), Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum, The Yaralpat Integrated Farming Society, Loktak LakeTourism Development Cooperation Society Ltd, Sendra and Loktak View Point Development Organisation.
The meeting was also attended by officials of the Forest Department including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change including the Director Dr Y Nabachandra Singh and Loktak Development Authority Director Longjam Bhagaton Singh.