A community interaction programme was held yesterday at Ebudhou Sendra Ningthou Laikol Community Hall, Sendra, as part of the national initiative Sewa Parv, celebrating service as a patriotic act aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The event saw active participation from villagers, Sendra Youth Club volunteers, members of the Loktak Lake Tourism Development Cooperative Society Ltd., Wetland Mitras, and local stakeholders.
Presided over by A.K. Sinha, Principal Secretary and Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), along with Project Director Ngangom Sanajaoba Meitei, the programme commenced at 1:45 p.m. and focused on blending cultural heritage with developmental goals under the Ministry of Culture’s theme “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.”
Villagers raised pressing concerns regarding pollution in Loktak Lake due to unremoved phumdis near Sendra foothills, and the lack of essential amenities such as clean drinking water, sanitation, recreational spaces, and community infrastructure. Sinha assured that the LDA would prioritize these issues and initiate remedial actions promptly.
A cleanliness drive was conducted at Sendra, a key tourist destination, followed by the planting of indigenous tree saplings at the Ebudhou Sendra Ningthou Laikol Cultural Complex. A pledge ceremony for the conservation of Ema Loktak was also held under the theme “Cleanliness & Sustainability for a Better Future.”
In a significant announcement, Sinha introduced an Inland Waterways route from Sendra to Phubala to promote eco-friendly tourism and sustainable connectivity.
The programme concluded with heartfelt appreciation from the villagers, who lauded Sinha’s visit as historic—being the first senior official to directly engage with the economically disadvantaged fishing community. With over 180 participants, the event marked a milestone in community-led conservation and inclusive development.