‘Collective efforts needed to conserve Loktak’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 26 : Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken has stated that the Government alone cannot conserve Loktak Lake and called for collective efforts to protect the freshwater lake.
He made the statement on the concluding day of the Loktak Day celebration held today at Komlakhong Chingthi in Imphal West.
The programme, organised by the Loktak Day Celebration Committee, Komlakhong, under the aegis of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), was also attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata, Mayang Imphal AC MLA Kongkham Robindro, Kshetrigao AC MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan and LDA Project Director Heisnam Balkrishna.
During the observance, gifts were presented to fishers who depend on Loktak Lake for their livelihood.
The Tourism Minister also released around 50,000 fish fingerlings into Loktak Lake.
Cultural performances were presented by different artists.
Speaking at the event, Loken said that Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in North East India, plays an important role in showcasing Manipur to the world.
Stating that many people depend on Loktak Lake for their livelihood, he added that the lake, however, is becoming increasingly polluted due to anthropogenic activities.
He also said that the lake is shrinking in size and becoming shallower.
Stating that the Government had been taking various measures to conserve Loktak Lake, he added that the initiatives would be meaningless without the support of the people.
Other dignitaries also spoke at the event.