MOIRANG, April 8 - The two-day consultation meeting on changing ecosystem of Loktak concluded at Moirang, a small town located on the bank of the lake, on Thursday.
The consultation meet which was organised by the Bishnupur-based People�s Resources Development Association (PRDA) in collaboration with the ActionAID Association of India, has resolved to take up the important issues arising out of the changing ecosystem of the lake.
Teachers, activists, journalists, students, representatives of local organisations and fisherman bodies, who actively took part in the meet, expressed the need to address the issues of lack of alternative livelihood for the fishing community, lack of access to potable safe drinking water, lack of access to healthcare services, lack of sensitive to lake environment, lack of scientific waste management, lack of community restriction on fish, waterbirds, frequent flooding of agricultural land, deforestation in lake catchment areas, degradation of culture and traditional practices, etc.
Forest and floral diversity expert Dr H Nandiram, environmental activist Salam Rajesh, State coordinator of the Indian Birds Conservation Network RK Birjit, Loktak Lake Area Fishermen�s Union representative Oinam Rajen, Member of Forum of Environmental Journalists in India, Sobhapati Samom spoke on issues arising out of the changing ecosystem of the popular lake. The technical sessions were moderated by activist Ramananda Wangkheirakpam.
The 300 sq km Loktak Lake, spread over three districts of Imphal West, Bisnupur and Thoubal, is the largest freshwater lake in the North East. In reality, it comprises about 20 small and large lakes including Loktak, Takmu, Ungamen, Laphupat, Thammumacha, Khulak, Yena, Sana Pat, Utra Pat and Tharopokpi.
