Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Sendra, Loktak Lake: Shri M. Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), today inaugurated the two-day Waterbird Motivation Camp 2025 at the LDA’s Conference Hall, Lake Front, Sendra, Loktak Lake. The camp, jointly organised by the Loktak Development Authority and the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), is supported by the Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum (ESRSPF), Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur and the Department of Forest, Government of Manipur.
The camp aims to train enumerators for the upcoming waterbird census, promote conservation awareness, and foster discussions on the preservation of waterbirds, particularly the migratory species of Loktak Lake. Participants of the camp will conduct a simultaneous census across 50 designated spots on 18 January 2025.
The inaugural event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including:
Dr. Kh. Shamungou Singh, Chairman, Technical Committee, State Wetlands Authority, Manipur, and Member, Deer Specialist Group, IUCN
Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur
Shri Ng. Sanajaoba Meetei, Project Director, Loktak Development Authority
Shri R.K. Birjit Singh, IBCN State Coordinator and Principal, Mangolnganbi College, Ningthoukhong
Shri K. Jugeshwor Singh, Renowned Waterbird Conservationist
Shri N. Pabitra Singh, MFS, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Wing, Government of Manipur
Around 150 volunteers and enumerators, including experts from across the state, participated in the camp. They engaged in technical sessions covering topics such as an overview of waterbirds in Loktak and its associated wetlands, waterbird identification, bird census techniques, discussions on AWC forms, site allocation, and field demonstrations using cameras and binoculars.
In his inaugural address, Chairman Shri M. Asnikumar Singh emphasised the alarming decline in avian species in Loktak Lake. “Decades ago, Loktak Lake was home to 127 bird species; today, we barely see 50. This decline not only signals an ecological crisis but also threatens the deep connection between the lake’s biodiversity and our cultural heritage,” he said.
Shri Asnikumar also highlighted the longstanding commitment of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh to the restoration and conservation of Loktak Lake. “Restoring the ecological health of Loktak has been a cause close to the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s heart. His vision and dedication to conserving Loktak Lake’s unique biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods it supports remain a driving force behind all our initiatives,” he added.
The Chairman further announced plans to expand the waterbird census to include other wetlands in Manipur, involving broader collaboration with stakeholders and communities. “Manipur has 724 wetlands, with Loktak being the most significant. From next year, we aim to collaborate more extensively with IBCN, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department, and other partners to conduct a simultaneous census across all wetlands. This initiative will amplify awareness, foster youth participation, and strengthen conservation efforts statewide,” he stated.
In conclusion, Shri M. Asnikumar Singh made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Manipur to join hands in the restoration and conservation of Loktak Lake. “Loktak is not just a lake; it is the lifeline of our state and the cradle of Manipuri civilization. I urge every citizen, especially the youth, to become conservation ambassadors. Your active participation in preserving this precious ecosystem will secure not only the future of Loktak and its associated wetlands but also the rich heritage and biodiversity it represents,” he said.
The Waterbird Motivation Camp 2025 represents a step forward in safeguarding Loktak Lake’s ecological heritage and the avian species that enrich it, reaffirming the commitment to conservation, community engagement, and a sustainable future.
