Imphal: The Chairman, Shri Asnikumar Moirangthem, emphasizes Loktak’s significance beyond a mere lake—it’s the heart and guardian of Manipur’s rich culture and diverse wildlife. This invaluable treasure demands collective care, not just a duty but a love story to nurture. We’re urged to script a hopeful future, uniting community involvement and unwavering dedication.
Celebrated annually on October, Loktak Day highlights the lake’s crucial role in Manipur’s economy, supplying water for hydropower, irrigation, and local communities’ livelihoods, especially the fishermen living on “phumdis.” However, human activities have heavily impacted the lake’s ecosystem, with around 100,000 people residing in 55 rural and urban settlements around its shores.
Initially recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990, Loktak Lake was later included in the Montreux Record due to changes in its ecological characteristics. Its preservation is vital, considering its biodiversity and ecological status, ensuring this natural gem endures for generations to come.
