The Chairman of Loktak Development Authority M Asnikumar Moirangthem along with the MLA of Hiyanglam Dr Yumnam Radheshyam and LDA officials conducted a thorough inspection to assess the present condition of Pumlen lake on Sunday.

During the inspection, M Asnikumar echoed that “besides our mother Loktak lake, Pumlen Lake is an iconic lake of Manipur; it is the second largest lake of the state next only to Loktak Lake situated in Kakching district under Hiyanglam assembly constituency.

Unfortunately, the fate of this historic lake looms large on the verge of extinction with the Loktak Hydel Project being its predator, and adding to it is the greed and lack of awareness of the dwellers of the lake, who, every year encroach a vast tract of the lakeshore for their own farming purposes”, stated Asnikumar.

The lake has been the main source of income for the people living around it. It lies between Mondum ranges in the south, Khoidum, and Lamjao in the North, Burma Sugnu road in the east, and Imphal River in the west. Chingjao, Chingkok, Chingmei and Hapcha are important islands of the lake.

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He added, “the lake with a total area of 22 sq km approximately, has been deteriorating gradually since the construction of Ithai Barrage as part of the Loktak Project in 1983 over the Imphal River. With the Ithai Barrage obstructing the weeds of the lake from flowing down, 80% of the lake has been covered under thick weeds leaving almost no space for the fishermen to earn their livings.”

He further added, “This lake is home to many rare migratory birds like Meitingu, Surit Nganu, Umu, Chongkhu, Ushai, Tharoichabi, Uren, Thembi, Uthum, and storks are visiting the lake now.

Earlier, the villagers used to catch plenty of fishes like Pengba, Sareng, Ngakra, Khabak, Ngaton, and Porom. But, they are now able to catch a few of Porom, Ngachik, Ngamu, Ukabi, Katala, Ngapai, Ngapemma and Muka Nga.

The lake has witnessed an irregular dramatic increase in weeds since 2003-04. If the dramatic increase of weeds remains unchecked at its rate, it would not be long for the lake to get extinct from the surface of the world, this is a very serious concern of our state govt led by our Hon’ble CM N. Biren Singh who has already called for conservation of the environment, forest & wetlands of state for the present and future generations.

We have witnessed that most of the shore area of the lake dries up in the winter season and it leads to the less production of Yellang, Loklei, Pullei, Komprek, Thangjing, and Thamchet, which, the lake was producing in plenty in the past, and this has affected the livelihood of the dwellers of this lake.”

As part of the inspection, the team also visited the surrounding areas of Pumlenpat including the 13/14 channels/streams that flow into the lake. , namely: Thongyai(6 km) Khong originated  from Kharungpat & Ekop; Thongjin (4 km) khong originated Kharungpat Ekop; Natek Khong(4/5km) originated  Kharungpat & Ekop;  Kakyaiachouba Khong(4/5km) originated from Purum Tampak Hill range, Chandel; Kakayaimacha (3/4 km); Maramba Maril (22 km); Khongman maril(3 km); Khongjao marl(2km); Dhabalo khong (5/6 km); Ningol khong (11 km); Chowdar khong (7/8 km); Laishram Khong (3km); Thounaojam khong (4km)

They also interacted with some of the dwellers of the lake; they were very sentimental on seeing the present deteriorating condition of the Lake and honestly appealed to conserve the lake. The MLA Dr Y Radheshyam appealed to the dwellers of the lake for their active and valuable contributions to the conservation mission. He stressed the dire need for conservation; restoring the lake’s ecological balance as well as ensuring that the economic avenues of the lake dwellers are protected.

Chairman LDA added that the LDA will examine and find a feasible mechanism to conserve this threatened lake from extinction in consultation with all the concerned stakeholders at the earlier possible time. He informed that “with a long term vision, LDA will adopt the mandate of ‘Wise Use Policy’ for this endangered lake. Restoration and conservation of our state’s wetlands is an important facet of the Chief Minister’s Environment Agenda for Manipur”.

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