Manipur Governor Reviews Loktak Lake Conservation Amid Rising Floodwaters
News Summary
On June 4, 2025, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a crucial meeting with the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, to assess the progress of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Loktak Lake. This review comes in the wake of escalating water levels due to seasonal floods. The Governor emphasized the importance of restoring the lake’s ecological balance and pledged full support to the LDA’s conservation efforts. The IMP, approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in March 2024, focuses on land and water management, species conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable livelihood development. Key initiatives include delisting the lake from the Montreux Record, implementing comprehensive monitoring systems, and rejuvenating natural drainage by removing phumdis.
Loktak Lake: A Jewel of Manipur
Loktak Lake, often referred to as the “lifeline of Manipur,” is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Spanning approximately 287 square kilometers, it is renowned for its unique floating islands known as phumdis—masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter in various stages of decomposition. These phumdis are not just ecological marvels but also cultural and economic assets, supporting the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and agriculture.
Ecological Significance and Challenges
Loktak Lake is home to the world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park, which serves as the last natural refuge for the endangered Sangai deer (Cervus eldi eldi), Manipur’s state animal. The lake’s rich biodiversity includes over 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 species of birds, and 425 species of animals.
However, the lake faces numerous ecological challenges:
- Phumdi Degradation: The thickness and health of phumdis have declined, threatening the habitat of the Sangai deer.
- Pollution: Inflow of domestic sewage and industrial waste has deteriorated water quality, leading to eutrophication and proliferation of invasive species like water hyacinth.
- Hydrological Alterations: The construction of the Ithai Barrage in 1983 disrupted the lake’s natural hydrology, affecting fish migration patterns and leading to the submergence of agricultural lands.
Integrated Management Plan (IMP): A Comprehensive Approach
The IMP aims to address these challenges through a multi-faceted strategy;
- Ecological Restoration: Removal of phumdis to rejuvenate natural drainage and improve water circulation.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Strengthening the protection of Keibul Lamjao National Park and implementing species-specific conservation programs.
- Water Quality Management: Installation of decentralized bioreactors to treat sewage and reduce organic load.
- Community Engagement: Promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, handicrafts, and alternative fishing practices.
- Policy and Governance: Establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure effective implementation of conservation measures.
FAQs
Q1: What makes Loktak Lake unique?
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and is renowned for its phumdis—floating islands of vegetation. It also hosts the world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Q2: Why is the Sangai deer important?
The Sangai deer is an endangered species endemic to Manipur and holds cultural significance as the state’s official animal. Its survival is closely linked to the health of Loktak Lake’s ecosystem.
Q3: What is the Montreux Record?
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the Ramsar List that are facing ecological changes. Loktak Lake was added to this list in 1993 due to environmental degradation.
Q4: How does the IMP address pollution?
The IMP includes the installation of decentralized bioreactors to treat sewage and reduce organic pollution, thereby improving water quality
Q5: How can local communities benefit from the IMP?
The IMP promotes sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, traditional crafts, and sustainable fishing practices, ensuring economic benefits while conserving the lake’s ecosystem.
