5th March 2010

North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, Imphal in association with Legend Studio (Manipur), Delhi Greens (Delhi) and Environ (Assam) is going to organize a Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign in 25 Cities (23 Indian Cities; New York, U.S.A and London, U.K) and 5 Towns across the globe. The campaign is a year long awareness programme initiated by NECEER, Imphal for the conservation of Loktak Lake. More than 600 volunteers, 32 city Co-ordinators and 1 Worldwide Co-ordinator are involved in organizing this campaign.

The campaign is to create awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India. The lake was recognised as Ramsar site in 1990. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer ‘Sangai’ - Cervus eldi eldi and many plant species.

The lake has been a main source of income and sustenance for inhabitants of the area. For the last few decades the lake has been facing all round destructions due to both natural and anthropogenic activities. Rapid expansion of ‘Phumdis*’, siltation, pollution, agriculture and adverse effect from Loktak Hydropower Project are some of the main problems which had led to an alarming destruction of the lake.

Involvement of youth and mobilization of public for the conservation of Loktak Lake is the main objective of the campaign. The campaign is supported by more than 20 international and national organizations. In the first phase of the campaign (7th March 2010), the campaign is going to take place in 5 cities of the country – Imphal, Delhi, Guwahati, Silchar and Shillong. The campaign will conclude next year with a grand campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involving the local inhabitants, local NGOs and Government officials.

Campaign at Imphal will be organized by NECEER, Imphal and LEGEND STUDIO, Manipur at Central Hall of D.M. College of Science from 10 am to 3pm. The event will be graced by Thounaojam Ibobi Singh, Project Director, Loktak Development Authority as Chief Guest and Dr. Naorem Iboton Singh, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal; Dr. RK Ranjan Singh, Manipur State Coordinator, IBCN (Bombay Natural History Society); Koijam Brojen Singh, Joint Secretary/Publicity & Library Secretary, All Manipur Bar Association and Dr. Kh. Shamungou Singh, Former Lecturer, DMC of Science, Imphal as Guest of Honours. A cycle rally will be organized at 9am from Malom Ground to DMC of Science. Also a painting competition will be organized for school students from Std. I to IX. Topics of the competition will be “Save Sangai” (Std I-III), “Save Loktak” (Std IV-VI), “Conserve nature for better future” (Std VII-IX). Imphal Campaign is coordinated by Mohen Naorem (Founder Director, Legend Studio and Hon. Fellow, NECEER, Imphal).

Delhi Campaign will be organized at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smiti, Delhi. The event will be graced by Dr. Th. Meinya, Member of Parliament, Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency as Chief Guest and Dr. Irfan Qureshi, Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi as Guest of Honour. Lectures by prominent scientists, academicians and conservation activist. A poster making competition, Manipuri Cultural Dance, street play and interaction programme will also be organized at the venue. Co-ordinator of Delhi Campaign is Ms. Mehnaz Nasreen. Guwahati and Silchar Campaigns will be organized in association with ENVIRON, Assam at Guahati University and Assam University respectively. Mr. Kripaljyoti Mazumdar is Co-ordinator of Guwahati and Mr. Chinmoy Choudhury that of Silchar. Shillong Campaign will be organized at Police Bazaar. Rajkumari Jashmi (Hon. Fellow, NECEER, Imphal) is city Coordinator.

Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, ALS (Associate of Linnean Society of London), Managing Trustee of NECEER, Imphal is worldwide Co-ordinator of the campaign.

Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh
Managing Trustee, NECEER, Imphal

Mohen Naorem
Founder Director, Legend Studio
Hon. Fellow, NECEER, Imphal