Recently, the Loktak Lake Authority in Manipur issued a notice to remove all floating houses and fishing structures on Loktak Lake. The decision has sparked controversy among the local fishing community and homestay operators. This article will delve into the reasons behind the directive and its impact, details about the lake, and future steps to manage the situation.
The Underlying Issues
The lack of regulation is one of the main concerns raised by the authorities. The surge in the number of homestays and huts constructed on the lake has put it at risk and negatively impacted the environment. Additionally, a sharp decrease in fish production and traditional fisheries has been observed due to a major hydropower project initiated in 1983. Another significant problem is the loss of agricultural land caused by increased levels of sediments and pollutants delivered by untreated rivers and inundation.
Loktak Lake – A Brief Overview
Loktak Lake, located about 40 kilometres south of Imphal, is North-East India’s largest freshwater lake and one of Manipur’s key tourist attractions. Famous for its floating circular swamps, called phumdis in local dialect, the lake draws tourists from across the globe for its enthralling beauty. These swamps resemble islands, comprising soil, organic matter, and vegetation.
Interestingly, Loktak Lake distinguishes itself by hosting the only floating national park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park. This park serves as the last refuge for the endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai, Manipur’s state animal. The lake also shelters approximately 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 bird species, and 400 faunal species including barking deer, sambar, and Indian python. Initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990, Loktak Lake was later listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.
Way Forward
The role of the government is crucial in managing this situation. Given that most floating homestay operators are educated, unemployed youths, authorities should guide them in redesigning their establishments and complying with new regulations. Collective responsibility from every stakeholder is essential for the lake’s conservation and maintenance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination – Previous Year Question (PYQ)
In the 2015 preliminary exam, candidates were asked to identify a unique national park supporting a rich biodiversity with its floating vegetation in a swamp. The answer was (b) – Keibul Lamjao National Park on Loktak Lake. This national park provides a natural habitat for the brow-antlered deer or the Sangai – Manipur’s state animal, characterized by floating decomposed plant materials locally called ‘phumdis’. This lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the north-eastern region of India, recognized as a wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.