The recent attempt to relocate Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), a unique eco-system in Manipur, has met opposition from local residents. Critics assert the proposed site does not align with conservation efforts associated with the park, particularly its role as the last refuge of the endangered Sangai deer, also known as the dancing deer of Manipur.
Keibul Lamjao National Park: A Survival Haven for the Sangai Deer
Existing as the only floating National Park globally, KLNP is strategically positioned on the famed Loktak Lake, providing a sanctuary for the Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii). The park’s uniqueness extends to its dual reputation as the final natural habitat for the brow-antlered deer.
In the 1950s, this deer species was presumed extinct within India until it was re-discovered in Manipur. Besides harbouring the Sangai deer, KLNP teems with other species, such as Hog Deer, Otter, and a multitude of waterfowls and migratory birds.
Loktak Lake: A Vital Ecosystem
Loktak Lake holds the title as Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake and is renowned for the floating phumdis that characterize its surface. These phumdis represent a combination of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various decomposition stages.
This ancient lake significantly contributes to Manipur’s economy by supplying water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower generation. Owing to its ecological essence and biodiversity value, Loktak Lake was recognised as an internationally significant wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 1990, later earning placement in the Montreux Record in 1993.
However, human activity continues to exert intense pressure on the lake’s ecosystem.
Brow-Antlered Deer: The Graceful Sangai
The brow-antlered deer, known as the Sangai in Manipur, is recognized as the state’s animal. Sporting a dark reddish-brown coat during winter that lightens in summer, the Sangai has a historical range spanning Cambodia, China, India, Laos, and Myanmar.
Today, in India, the Sangai is confined to Manipur’s Loktak lake. Habitat loss across their global regions and hunting within Manipur have endangered the deer. Despite protective measures, they face threats from encroachment for grazing, cultivation, fish farming, and a hydro-electric project in the lake.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Sangai as ‘Endangered’, with Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) placing it under Appendix I and under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Resolving the Relocation Issue
The proposed relocation of KLNP has sparked controversy, with locals arguing that the move would hinder efforts to protect the Sangai deer. They maintain that villagers have been actively involved in conservation, ensuring the survival of this unique deer species.
In contrast, authorities need to evaluate this proposal carefully, considering its potential impact on both ecological balance and local communities. Finding a solution requires balancing the park’s significant role in preserving biodiversity, particularly the threatened Sangai deer and the area’s socio-economic needs.
Finding the Balance
Addressing the proposed relocation’s impacts necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between KLNP, Loktak Lake, and the Sangai deer’s survival. Striking a balance between the demands of human requirements and ecological preservation will help ensure the protection of this delicate ecosystem and its inhabitants, securing a future where both can thrive.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024