Lamphelpat Project merges Flood Control with Ecotourism Development in Manipur

The Lamphelpat Water Body Rejuvenation Project, a flagship initiative of the Manipur government, is steadily taking shape as a dual-purpose venture combining urban flood mitigation with ecotourism development. Spread across 300 acres in Imphal, the Rs.650 crore project aims to restore the historical wetland while addressing water scarcity and enhancing tourism potential in the region.
Designed to hold 124 million cubic meters of water, the rejuvenated water body will serve as a vital reserve capable of supplying potable water to over four lakh residents through the Public Health Engineering Department. As of now, around 60 percent of the dredging and excavation work has been completed, according to officials.
Project Manager Saimul Islam said that the team is employing Catastrophic Storage Design (CSD) techniques to dig up to nine metres deep, with the targeted lake area covering 245 acres. “We have already reclaimed around 162 acres, and water is beginning to return,” he stated. He added that the project is expected to be completed by October or November this year.
In addition to flood control and water conservation, the project envisions Lamphelpat as a key ecotourism destination. A 140-acre recreational zone is being developed alongside the water body, which will eventually be connected to the Imphal View Tower at Cheirao Ching through a proposed cable car system. This component of the project is expected to boost tourism and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
Irom Royal, Superintending Engineer of the Water Resources Department, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. “This is more than just a flood control project. It is about restoring the ecological potential of Lamphelpat and promoting sustainable tourism in the region,” he said.
The project has already begun to resonate with residents. “Restoring this lake will not only attract tourists but also improve the local ecosystem. It’s a commendable step by the government,” said Indrakumar Salam, a local resident. Another resident, Aurora Jayant Chongtham, said, “It’s wonderful to see the dry lake being revived. It has enhanced the beauty of the area and sparked local interest in tourism.”
Once completed, the Lamphelpat Water Body Rejuvenation Project is expected to serve as a model for integrated water management and environmental sustainability in the Northeast, protecting the Imphal Valley from seasonal floods while positioning Lamphelpat as a vibrant hub for nature-based tourism.