Loktak conservation work will be shown by action: Chief Minister
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 19 2011:
As a life giver to the dying Loktak lake, Water Master Classic-III, a multipurpose machine for dredging and construction in water environment, recently procured by the state, was launched today at Takmu fish farm by CM, O Ibobi.
In an address at the launching function, the CM said that the government's concern about the conservation of Loktak lake from further deterioration will be shown by action.
The Water Master Classic-III was procured from Finland's Aquamel Limited company for the purpose of dredging as well as cut down phumdi.
The LDA bought the machine at a cost of ' 3.5 crore.
Such a machine is already in use in Dal Lake in J&K.The machine will be used in dredging the courses of Nambul and Kongba rivers and Naga Nullah in Imphal, the CM said adding that, if necessary, it can be used in the land development of NIT campus
at Lamphelpat.
Despite the use of the most advanced machinery, Loktak lake cannot be saved unless the people are aware of the fast deteriorating condition of the lake and extend sincere cooperation in various lake conservation works that are being taken up by the government for conservation of the lake, he added.
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Ibobi, who is also the chairman of the LDA, asserted that the effort is not only to safeguard the natural structure of the lake but that the government is determined to develop the lake as a tourist attraction centre of the region.
An eco-tourism park will be developed in an area of 500 acres at Takmu fishery farm area.
Land acquisition work for the project had already started, he said adding that government had so far paid ' 6 crore as compensation to the affected land owners.
Forest & Environment Minister, Th Debendro who also attended the launching function emphasized the need to preserve the lake in consideration for the future generations and more importantly to conserve the ecological balance.
The conservation of the lake is a must considering the problems faced by the people due to global climatic changes, he said.