Save Loktak to save Manipur, says MLA Radhakishore

Imphal, June 5: Oinam MLA L Radhakishore has said that Manipuri civilization owes its growth to Loktak lake which supplied its abundant resources but if the present threat to its existence aggravates any further leading to its extinction then our culture, tradition and everything will disappear.
He made the statement while speaking as the chief guest at the World Environment Day celebration held at Yangoi Ningthou community hall at Loktak Khongban in Toubul in Bishnupur district today. The event was jointly organised by Toubul Youth Development Association, Global Science Club, Khoijuman and Centre for Conservation of Nature and Cultivation of Sciences.  
The environmental balance throughout the world has been thrown haywire due to pollution and other man-made factors. That is why climatic changes have become erratic and survival of humans is getting harder and harder. The world is witnessing extreme weathers everywhere and usual pattern of rainfall has been disturbed, Radhakishore stated.  
In our own state, due to disruption caused to environment cycle, we have seen that many local fishes, birds and animals have become extinct. Loktak Lake is provider of many of our essential needs and as such symbolizes our mother. If our mother is no more what will happen to her children, asked Radhakishore. Save Loktak to save Manipur, he said.
Turning his attention to the school children in attendance, the MLA addressed them as pillars of the future and reminded that the hills provide us energy and air while the lakes provide food and other materials. He concluded, thus we must treat them as our parents.    
Radhakishore emphasized the need for intensive plantation drives in the hills, rural and urban areas as per the forest percentage recommended by the international bodies. He said the Pollution Control Board, for which is the chairman, is undertaking a week-long tree plantation drive.
Project director of LDA, Bhagaton and Adhakshya of BPC Zilla Parishad were the president and guest of honour respectively.
Loktak Development Authority conducted a tree plantation drive at Toubul in Bishnupur district.