CM opens phumdis clearance project
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 06 2010: Chief Minister, O Ibobi today formally launched the work for clearing the phumdis of Loktak lake at a function held at Sendra today.

The project for clearance of phumdis at an estimated cost of Rs 374 crore under the "Conservation and Management of Loktak and Wetlands Integrating Manipur River Project" is being handled by a New Delhi based firm, K Pro Infra Works Private Limited.

Speaking at the launching function, Chief Minister, O Ibobi said that it is the bounden duty of the people of the state to conserve the Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake not only in the North Eastern region but also in the country.

Chief Minister O Ibobi watching a dredger scooping up phumdis and loading onto a truck after formally launching the grand project of clearing phumdis from Loktak

He also expressed concern over the fast deteriorating condition of the lake due to the heavy erosion caused by deforestation in the catchment areas of the rivers in the hills which is compounded by the planting of atha phums by the fishermen in the lake.

Government is putting in a lot of effort to develop the Loktak lake as the most beautiful place in the north east which could attract maximum tourists among the north eastern states.

Centre has also agreed to earmark Rs 5 crore for developing tourist spots in the lake area.

The Union tourism ministry also gave green signal for investing over Rs 20 crore for rejuvenating INA Complex at Moirang.

State government is also planning to convert the Moirang-Sendra road into four-lane one.

A ecological park of area of 500 acre will also be developed as part of the Regional Water Sport Complex for which work is already in progress, the chief minister added.

Citing that this entire works cannot be successfully taken up by LDA alone, Ibobi also sought the cooperation of the people of the surrounding area.

Forest and environment minister, Th Debendro presided over the function which was also attended by works minister K Ranjit, MLA T Mangibabu, I Hemochandra, I Ibohal, Kh Ratankumar and M Prithivraj.

Loktak is an inseperable part of the history of Manipur.

The lake is the reflection of development of the state.

People should love the lake and take care of it, minister Debendra observed stressing the need for conservation of the lake.

The project launched today is for two year and three month and will target to clear 132.94 cubic meter of phumdis extending over 236.21 square kilometer area of the lake.

Conversion of phumdis into manure is also one of the components of the project.