Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal:Today, a significant joint meeting was convened at the Mini Secretariat, DC’s Office in Bishnupur District HQ , chaired by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) Chairman, Shri M. Asnikumar Singh, and co-chaired by Deputy Commissioner Shri L. Bikram Singh IAS. The meeting was convened to address pressing issues concerning the conservation and management of Champu Khangpok Floating Village situated in Loktak Lake. Attendees included esteemed district level officials , SE/Wetland incharge LDA Shri Ng. Sanajaoba Meetei, EE/LDA Shri Malemkhomba , Shri Salam Rajesh Singh , Environmentalist( member LDA ) and representatives from the floating village.
During the meeting, villagers voiced their grievances, highlighting the need for solutions to enhance their livelihoods. Deputy Commissioner Shri L. Bikram Singh commended the state government’s concerted efforts, particularly under the directive of the Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh, towards the conservation of Loktak Lake and Champu Khangpok Floating Village, acknowledging their traditional significance. He pledged full support from the district administration and proposed the establishment of a joint team to verify floating dwellers’ spots, ensuring accurate record-keeping—an initiative unanimously accepted during the meeting.
Chairman of LDA, Shri Asnikumar Singh, echoed the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh to preserve Loktak Lake with a comprehensive, long-term approach, emphasizing the critical importance of improving the livelihoods of the dependent fishing community. He urged representatives from the floating village to collaborate closely and play a pivotal role in the conservation mission, advocating for collective efforts to overcome challenges. Assuring unwavering support under the leadership of the incumbent Chief Minister, Shri Asnikumar Singh affirmed that Champu Khangpok Floating Village would receive all the support for sustainable development. Notably, the Chief Minister has already sanctioned and released some funds for basic infrastructure, administered through the district authorities. Furthermore, numerous welfare schemes are in the pipeline, aiming to benefit the village in long run .
Addressing the pressing issue of illegal fishing practices, such as the use of electric current, Chairman Shri Asnikumar Singh appealed to the fishing community to cease such harmful activities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
Furthermore, with Loktak Lake now included under the esteemed Amrit Dharohar Scheme—an initiative by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote the wise use and conservation of Ramsar Sites in India—significant strides towards conservation are expected. This scheme encompasses critical components such as Species and Habitat Conservation, Nature Tourism, Wetlands Livelihoods, and Wetlands Carbon Assessment, implemented through the convergence of various governmental schemes and programs.
In line with these efforts, LDA has initiated projects to improve the water quality of Loktak Lake by cleansing major rivers flowing into it. The cleanup of the mouths of Nambul & Moirang Rivers already commence , and dredging/cleaning of Khordak River also already completed recently , with additional plans underway to prevent pollutants from reaching Loktak Lake, so that clean water should flow to the loktak lake .
This joint meeting underscores a collective commitment towards the preservation and sustainable development of Champu Khangpok Floating Village and Loktak Lake, with stakeholders resolved to safeguard this invaluable natural resource for future generations.
