Campaign to save Loktak lake begins in Manipur

IMPHAL: Cycle rally, painting competition and seminars are being conducted to spread awareness and save the biggest fresh waterbody, Loktak, in the north-eastern region from extinction in Manipur's Bishenpur district.

Launching the 'Save Loktak' campaign on Sunday, well-known environmentalists R K Ranjan, Kh Shamungou, H Meghachandra, O Samoa expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the lake.

A spokesman of the North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research ( NECEER), Imphal Branch, which is organising the campaign, said the rapid expansion of weed (Phumdis), siltation, pollution and effluents from Loktak Hydro electric power project were harming the water body.

The environmentalists expressed concern as the habitat of Sangai, the rare species brow-antler deer, available only in Manipur, at Kebul Lamjao National Park on the side of the lake too was coming under threat, the NECEER spokesman said.

He said the campaign would also be launched at various other places with the main objective to involve the youth and mobilise the public.