Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 17 2024: The 35th Loktak Day celebration was marked by a state level seminar on 'Loktak Lake - Challenges Ahead' at Thanga on Thursday, underscoring the urgent need for collective efforts to conserve the fresh water body, one of the stated most treasured ecosystems.
Observance of Loktak Day every year is timed to coincide with the 'Mera Purnima', the full moon day of lunar month Mera.
It celebrates the importance of Loktak Lake, often referred to as the lifeline of Manipur.
The lake is a Ramsar site of global significance, known for its floating biomass (phum-dis) and rich biodiversity.
It holds immense ecological, cultural, and economic value for the region, making its conservation critical not only for the environment but also for the communities dependent on it.
The day 's events began with the 'Run for Loktak' organised by Youth Development Association, Ningthoukhong, in partnership with LDA and NHPC.
Flagged off by LDA chairman M Asnikumar, the run was aimed at raising awareness about the lake's conservation.
Kumbi MLA S Premchandra and LDA SE Ng Sanajaoba were also present at the flag-off ceremony.
Following the run, a prayer ceremony was held to honour Loktak Ima Lairembi, the lake's guardian deity, along with the ceremonial release of five lakh fish fingerlings in Loktak Lake and the adjacent Takmu Pat wetland.
The fish stocking programme initiated by the fisheries department under CM N Biren, underscored efforts to restore the lake's ecosystem and improve the livelihoods of local fishers.
The celebrations continued with cultural performances and a prize distribution ceremony at Thanga Higher Secondary School and the state-level seminar wherein subject experts including Prof Ksh Lalbihari, K Jugeshwore, and SE Sanajaoba discussed environmental challenges besieging Loktak Lake.
Hundreds of fishing community members, including many women, attended the seminar.
Attending the seminar, LDA chairman M Asnikumar pointed out potential threats posed to the lake due to development activities bereft of environmental consideration.
He urged the government bodies and local communities to work together to address these challenges.
Asnikumar also stressed the importance of public participation and sustainable practices to protect Loktak.
He outlined the government efforts, including the Integrated Management Plan and the ongoing boundary demarcation process, aimed at conserving the lake.
He called for a renewed commitment to restore Loktak Lake under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister N Biren.