Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 22 2010:
Representatives of settlers on the floating biomasses of Loktak Lake highlighted their grievances through submission of a memorandum to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh this afternoon.
Under the aegis of All Loktak Lake Hut Dwellers' Progressive Committee a large number of Lake dwellers, including women, assembled at Moirangkhom to march towards the official residence of the CM.
However, police personnel prevented them from proceeding beyond the Imphal West District Police headquarters.
After a while, a delegation of the Committee was allowed to enter the CM's bungalow where a representation was reportedly handed over to officials of CM Secretariat.
The memorandum drew the CM's attention to the fact that over 10,000 people settled in thatched huts built on the floating biomasses have nowhere else to live and are directly depending on the Lake for daily sustenance.
With apparent reference to the recent Government move to evict the Lake dwellers from their homes, it further pointed out that the settlers having lived in the floating biomasses since time immemorial have an inseparable link with the Loktak Lake.
Apart from mentioning that construction of the Ithai Dam had compounded their struggle for livelihood, the representation also complained that so far there had been no positive assistance extended by the Loktak Development Authority.
Moreover, the recent handing over of Loktak development works to K Pro Private Limited and subsequent eviction notice served to the dwellers has added to the woes and restlessness of the settlers, the memorandum maintained while appealing to the Government to arrange for an alternative settlement area in case the biomasses are to be cleared from the Lake.
In case the humble suggestions go unheeded then the people have no other option other than resort to all possible means for livelihood and justice, they Committee cautioned the Government.
Loktak Lake is one of the largest fresh water lake in eastern India.
However, large parts of its surface have been covered with phumdis (thick floating biomass) which is directly threatening the existence of the lake.