All Loktak Lake Area Fisherman Union Manipur (ALLFUM) in association with Champu Khangpok Floating Village Welfare Committee, Loktak Lake observed World Wetlands Day on 2nd February 2021, at Champu Khangpok, Loktak Lake.

Dr RK Ranjan Singh (Environmentalist) and MP Lok Sabha delivered his speech from New Delhi virtually at the outset. He conveyed his best wishes to the dwellers of the lake especially the hardworking fishermen community of Champu Khangpok. He mentioned about the significance of the theme of World Wetlands day and wholeheartedly appealed to the fishermen to carry the message into action to save the wetlands of the state particularly Loktak Lake from further degradation, and he also assured all possible assurance from his side, including the welfare of the fishing community dependent on the lake.

M. Asnikumar Singh (Environmentalist ), Chairman MDS who is also a State Spokesperson of BJP Manipur Unit graced the programme as Chief Guest . In his address, he said that for him Loktakpat is his life and saving it, is his life’s mission. He expressed some honest and heartfelt views on Manipur’s wetlands; their dire state and the absolute and urgent need for their conservation, restoration and sustainable maintenance. He said, “This is something which has to be done with a proper long term vision and direction. Our government under our ‘People’s CM’ N Biren Singh’s direct supervision has commenced some genuinely meaningful initiatives to preserve the lake and its quality of water. These include the initiatives like clean up of rivers that flow into the lake. Such initiatives are just the first of many other environmental initiatives that will follow suit, in due course of time, with proper planning, direction and expert inputs.”

He continued, “Loktak is one of the cradles of Manipur’s cultural diversity.

Loktak and its associated wetlands play a vital role in Manipur’s economy, social, cultural life of Manipur since time immemorial. The traditional occupation;  fishing in the freshwaters of the lake and the culture associated the profession is highly underrated in the context of cultural significance. We ought to preserve this floating village Champu Khangpok (having 166 floating hut dwellers) which possesses huge cultural and heritage value since time immemorial.”

He also shed light on the hardships faced by the people of Champu Khangpok,

“Hearing the numerous harsh problems faced by these hardworking fishermen and their families made me emotional today. These include problems concerning their sanitation, health and hygiene. After thoroughly listening to their problems, I had a proper discussion with Dr RK Ranjan, our Hon’ble MP and we decided to provide bio-Septic Portable Toilet with support from some concerned stakeholders, provide health cards as well as to organise free health camps in the near future. We also pledged that this will be the first of many assistance that will be done by Dr RK Ranjan and himself. It is our responsibility to reach out and help these communities who have been repeatedly ignored by past governments and authorities.”

The celebration was also attended by Kh. Deven Singh President, ALLFUM.