DIPR
Imphal, July 4 :For overall improvement and management and to check the deteriorating conditions and to bring about improvement along with development in the fields of fisheries, agricultures, tourism and afforestation of the Loktak , the main tourist attraction of the state ,the Govt. of Manipur constituted Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in 1986. Under the project “Conservation and Management of Loktak Lake” major activities viz. Management of phumdis in the Loktak lake, improvement of drainage system, desiltation at the critical area, construction of cross regulator, catchment area conservation, construction of sanitary toilets, biodiversity, enhancement of fish resources with the establishment of hatchery, operationalisation of hatcheries etc.
The Loktak Development Authority rejuvenated Loktak Lake through project intervention with the financial support from NEC, MOEF and Planning Commission as the overall ecosystem health of the Lake is improving on various parameters. Restoration of the open water regime in the Central Sector of the lake by removing athaphums, phumhuts with the control of further proliferation is the most significant achievement.
With the support of Forest Department, degraded forest areas in the lake catchment are being restored through intensive plantation works and livelihood improvement programmes. In convergence with the Total Sanitation Programme, PHED have constructed sanitary toilets in the island and lakeshore villages for improving the quality of living and ecosystem health of the lake. Fisheries have been developed by operationalsing community based hatcheries in the lake shore villages to enhance the fish productivity.
Management of the lake basin has been made more effective through various policy instruments and legislating supported by awareness and education programmes. Govt, of Manipur aims to integrate the Associated Wetlands of Loktak Lake to bring about comprehensive management of this priceless natural capital. In order to address livelihood issues of the Wetland dependent communities livelihood programmes and cultural heritage based tourism will be promoted.
The Loktak Lake serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, also known as “phumshongs”. Human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem. 55 rural and urban hamlets around the lake have a population of about 100,000 people.
The LDA has been working earnestly for maintaining of ecosystem balance and to bring economic development for the people in the area. Some of the works taken up by LDA are: Desiltation at the critical areas (12.19.Lcum), Removal of phumdis (257.91 Lcum), Removal of athaphum/ alternate fishing gear ( Providing economic package to athaphum owners) 8594 nos., flushing out phumdis 127.25 Lsqm , Removal of phumdis from drainage system,4.20 Lcum,Removal of phumhuts under livelihood programme(ProvidingEconomic Packages to the owner) 519 nos., Total sanitation coverage 6288 nos, Establishment of hatchery 16 units, Improvement of drainage system 7.53 Lcum, Chanelisation of river/streams1 Lcum, Phumdi Compost 6350 Mt, Cross Regulator 6 nos., Water Master ClassicIII 1 nos., Hydraulic excavators 21 nos., Tata tippers 1 nos., Administrative Building Phase ll 1 nos., Lake restocking 25 lacs., Afforestation in the catchment area 20054 Ha., Aided regenaration24538 Ha., Agro Forestry 5000 Ha., Small Scale Engineering Works, Contour Trenching525.45 Ha, Vegetative check dam 8388 Rm., Gabion Check Dam 850 Ha., Baboo Spur 4736 Rm., Boulder sausages4166.40 Rm., Water harvesting structure4166.40 Rm, Alternate source of energy2500 units., Community participation13754 Ha., Institution formation of community13754 Ha., Diversion channel10 km, Cultural operation680 Ha., Plantation of banana, pineapple etc385 H.
