Anand Mahindra gushes about an ‘almost unreal’ lake in Manipur in viral post

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has consistently used social media to spotlight lesser-known yet breathtaking locations across India. Continuing this pattern, he recently turned attention to Loktak Lake in Manipur through a post on X. In his message, Mahindra reflected on how astonishing the lake appears and emphasized that what is even more remarkable is the sheer number of enchanting destinations across the country that remain largely unnoticed. His words once again sparked curiosity about India’s overlooked natural treasures and encouraged wider appreciation of regions that rarely feature in mainstream travel conversations.

Understanding Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake, locally referred to as Loktak Pat in the Meitei language, is a significant freshwater body situated in northeastern India. Found near Moirang in the state of Manipur, the lake is often described as a living or breathing water system due to its constantly shifting size. During the monsoon season, its surface area expands dramatically, ranging anywhere between 250 and 500 square kilometres, while its average spread remains close to 287 square kilometres. The name Loktak itself originates from Meitei words meaning stream and end, symbolically describing the convergence of water channels into the lake.

The Unique Floating Phumdis

What truly sets Loktak Lake apart is the presence of phumdis, which are floating formations made up of vegetation, soil, and organic matter in various stages of decay. These natural rafts drift across the lake’s surface and form an ecosystem unlike any other in the world. The largest phumdi spans roughly 40 square kilometres and lies along the lake’s southeastern edge. This massive floating mass supports Keibul Lamjao National Park, globally recognized as the only national park that floats entirely on water.

A Sanctuary for Rare Wildlife

Keibul Lamjao National Park serves as the final natural habitat of the endangered sangai, also known as the Manipur brow-antlered deer. This rare animal, which is also the state symbol of Manipur, represents one of the remaining subspecies of Eld’s deer and holds immense ecological and cultural importance.

Cultural and Economic Importance

Loktak Lake plays a vital role in Manipur’s economy and daily life. It supplies water for hydroelectric power, agricultural irrigation, and drinking purposes. The lake also sustains thousands of fishing families who reside in nearby villages and floating homes called phumshangs. However, increasing human activity has placed considerable strain on the lake’s fragile ecosystem. Around 55 settlements encircle Loktak, supporting a population of nearly 100,000 people. To honor and protect this ancient water body, Loktak Day is observed every year on October 15 along its shores.