As the world observes World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” concerns mount over the rising plastic and solid waste menace at Sendra—one of Manipur’s most iconic tourist spots situated at the heart of Loktak Lake.
During peak tourist seasons and cultural festivities such as the Moirang Ebudhou Thangjing Haraoba, thousands of visitors—particularly students on eco-educational tours—flock to the area. However, the absence of civic discipline has resulted in an alarming accumulation of plastic bottles, wrappers, tin cans, and other non-biodegradable waste. The fragile ecosystem of Loktak Lake and the surrounding hillocks now bears the brunt of unmanaged tourism and poor waste disposal infrastructure.
In observance of World Environment Day, Sendra Youth Club (SYC), in collaboration with the Loktak Lake Tourism Development Cooperative Society Ltd., has called for urgent collective action. Suggestions include installing proper waste bins, organizing regular cleanup drives, and launching civic awareness campaigns.
As part of the day’s initiative, Ningthoujam Chandra, Administrative Chairman of Thanga Part II Gram Panchayat, launched a plantation drive to restore the green cover around Sendra and Ithing hillocks—signalling hope for sustained ecological preservation.