Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondence North East
Imphal: Loktak Development Authority (LDA), in partnership with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Bhopal and Manipur University, recently organized a One-day Stakeholder Consultation cum Workshop focused on Resilient Infrastructure Planning for Fragile Socio-Ecological Systems of Wetlands. The event, sponsored by CDRI, took place at the LDA head office in Imphal, Manipur.
The primary objective of the consultation cum workshop was to safeguard wetlands and local communities from the undesired impacts of development. This initiative emphasized a people-centric infrastructure planning framework, incorporating socio-ecological vulnerability assessments, a spatial zonation model, and a stakeholder-coordinated implementation plan.
Distinguished attendees included Shri M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of LDA; Prof Surabhi Mehrotra from NIT Bhopal; Prof Yogesh Garg, project mentor from NIT Bhopal; Prof Ksh Lalbihari Singha from Manipur University; Conservationist K Jugeshwor; Environmental Activist Salam Rajesh; O Maipakchao, President of the United Club of Thanga; and representatives from Champu Khangpok Floating Village (Kh Deben, O Rajen, N Thasana Devi, Kh Kiranbala).
The consultation session facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas among experts and representatives from LDA, local communities, officials from the Forest Department, Government of Manipur. Discussions centered on resilient infrastructure development aligning with the ecology conservation mission of LDA and the state government. Additionally, alternative livelihood opportunities and accessibility for Karang Islands and Champu Khangpok were explored.
During the session, Chairman LDA expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts and commended CDRI’s contributions. He highlighted the global significance of Loktak, being not just surrounded by people but inhabited by them. The wetland holds crucial cultural, traditional, and socio-economic significance apart from it’s huge ecological importance.
Prof Surabhi Mehrotra stressed the importance of understanding vulnerabilities related to infrastructure development, advocating a people-centric approach to achieve a balance between ecology, livelihood, and development. She also called for the exploration of alternative livelihood opportunities.
The meeting concluded with Chairman LDA announcing that the Integrated Management Plan, developed with WISA, has been technically vetted by IIT Roorkee and will be approved MoEF&CC soon. LDA reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and restoration of Loktak Lake and it’s associated wetlands, expressing confidence in fulfilling this mandate under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the supervision of CM Shri N Biren Singh.
“Saving Loktak is a priority not only for LDA but also for the state government under Hon’ble CM Shri N Biren Singh. However, this endeavour requires the collective support and participation of the people. It is time for our unified efforts to save Loktak,” remarked Chairman LDA.
