Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 30
Fishermen of Loktak Lake on Saturday registered a strong objection to the proposed Loktak Inland Waterways Project.
The Union Ministry of Shipping has approved the development of the Loktak Inland Waterways Project in Manipur, a long pending proposal of the Manipur state government. The total cost of the project is Rs 25.58 crore.
On Saturday, the Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union Manipur (LLAFUM) registered a strong objection to the implementation of the project in the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the Northeast India region.
"No such project must be implemented", LLAFUM secretary Oinam Rajen said at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club in Imphal this afternoon. He expressed apprehension that if the project is implemented, a great impact will be given to the eco-system and environment of the lake.
Rajen then demanded that LDA must stop implementing various projects in the name of conservation of Loktak Lake. He then reminded that a recent order of the High Court of Manipur had also banned taking up any project that will give severe impacts to the ecosystem and environment of the lake.
"There is also ban on taking up any project in the Loktak Lake area by the state Forest department as well as Environment departments without taking prior clearance from the government authorities," he said. The LDA had also not taken the consent of the people for the implementation of the project, he added.
Loktak Lake is famous as the biggest freshwater lake in the northeast. Loktak Lake is located in Moirang in Bishnupur district of Manipur.
The only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park is also located in this lake. The lake is spread over an area of 980 sq km.
