Wahengbam Rorrkychand
Imphal, Sept 14: ‘Dam is a cursed to the people, who are living in and around the Loktak pat (Lake). If Ithai dam and Loktak Hydro Power project were not commissioned all the money would be at Lawai (rural) areas.’
It was said by Oinam Rajen, Secretary of All Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) while commenting on the changing bio-diversity of the lake after the commissioning of Ithai Dam and Loktak Hydro power project.
As a gift to the people of Manipur, thousands of hectres of paddy field were submerged under water and various species of flora and fauna went extinct due to extensive ecological imbalance in and around the lake.
During rainy season, the water level of Loktak increased many fold and the garbage brought by downstream water deposited at the lake. As the water bodies of upstream were blocked by dams, the pollutants were left at the lake. It virtually turns Loktak – the biggest fresh water lake in the entire northeast – into a giant garbage pit, said a fisherman Ningthoujam Sanayaima (36), who has been in the lake for the last 15 years.
Sanayaima also took this reporter at the area where a large amount of plastic and glass bottles, polythene bags and various waste materials were being deposited by downward stream of Nabul river.
Unlike the preceding years the water level of Laktak has increased during this rainy season. While the pollutants contaminate the water body making it unfit for human use. Many parts of the lake were stinking and children were inflicted with water borne diseases. Unluckily, in the last 2-3 months many small fishes were found dead at these stinking areas, said Sanayaima.
While another fisherman, Naren Heman (38) of Langolsabi village, who provide logistic support during the tour said that they don’t know any other profession then fishing; with no option left they have to stay in the this pollute lake fishing for earning their livelihood.
He also urged the state and Central government’s concern authority to come down at Loktak lake to know the present situation of the lake.
