WORLDWIDE SAVE LOKTAK LAKE CAMPAIGN

7th March 2010

North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, Imphal has launched 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, Sponsorship Coordinator 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 was organised 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 was organized by NECEER, Imphal in association with Legend Studio, Manipur at Central Hall of D.M. College of Science from 10 am to 3pm. The event was 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 was organized at 9 am from Malom Ground to DMC of Science. A painting competition was also organized for school students on topics- “Save Sangai”, “Save Loktak” and “Conserve nature for better future”. Imphal Campaign was coordinated by Mohen Naorem (Founder Director, Legend Studio and Hon. Fellow, NECEER, Imphal).

Delhi Campaign was organized at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smiti, Delhi. The event was 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. Prominent scientists, academicians and conservation activists delivered lectures on the need of conservation of this natural heritage. A poster making competition, Manipuri Cultural Dance, Street play and interaction programme was also organized at the venue. Co-ordinator of Delhi Campaign was Ms. Mehnaz Nasreen.

Guwahati and Silchar Campaigns was organized in association with Environ, Assam at Guahati University and Assam University respectively. Mr. Kripaljyoti Mazumdar was Co-ordinator of Guwahati and Mr. Chinmoy Choudhury was that of Silchar. A campaign was also organized to save Deepor Beel, another Ramsar site of Northeast India in association with Abhiyatri and Panchatava. The event was chaired by former PCCF OF Assam, M. C. Malakar.

Shillong Campaign was organized at Police Bazaar. 32 volunteers took part in the campaign and created awareness to the public by distributing pamphlets and interactions. Rajkumari Jashmi (Hon. Fellow, NECEER, Imphal) was the city Coordinator.

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

(Rajkumari Khedasana)
Co-ordinator, Communication and Publication Division
NECEER, Imphal