Phumdis clearing exercise kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 06 2010: Removal of Phumdis, the floating bio-masses from Loktak lake has begun from today along with a formal function attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at Sendra foothills.

The task of removing the floating bio-masses, whose rampant growth and spread has endangered the ecology of the biggest fresh water lake in the Northeast India is to be accomplished within a period of three years.

An estimated cost of Rs 378 crores has been funded under the Special Plan Assistance for the purpose.

The task is to be carried out under the responsibility of Loktak Development Authority.

Machineries put to use to clear phumdis from Loktak Lake

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh categorically stated that though the Government would no objection to the continued fishing activities of the surrounding people who depend on the lake for their livelihood, it would not allow growing of Phumdis newly for fishing purposes in the lake.

Stating that existence of a biggest fresh water lake like Loktak lake in Manipur is a pride for all the people, the Chief Minister expressed concerned over the degrading environment of the lake and said protection of the lake is the responsibility for all of us.

The Chief Minister further said that besides the efforts being made for conservation of Loktak Lake, process are on for setting up of a Loktak Protection Force and induction of four Hovercrafts costing crores of rupees.

Under the Integrated Management Protection Programme, Rs 5 crores has also been earmarked by the Government for development of Sendra Tourist Home, the Chief Minister said, while informing that steps have also been taken up for upgrading the road connecting Moirang Bazar with Sendra into four-lane.

Presiding over the function, Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra recalled that in 1990, Ramsar Convention declared Loktak lake as an International Wetland.

But the condition of the lake has been deteriorating down the years, he lamented.

Earlier delivering the key note address, Project Director of LDA Th Ibobi informed that the task of clearing the Phumdis from Loktak lake is being taken up under an action plan of the Wetland International-South Asia and the Planning Commission has approved a funding of Rs 378 crores under SPA and stipulated 2 years and 3 months as the time for completing the task.

However, in consideration of the magnitude of the task, target has been set to complete the task in 3 years.

He explained that the task of removing the Phumdis from the surface of the lake covering a total area of 236.21 sq km, is to be carried out by LDA with the Delhi-based company, K Pro Infra Works Pvt Ltd as the work agency.

Machines would be used for removing 132.94 lakh cubic metre of Phumdis while another 63.48 lakhs cubic sq metre would be made to flow down Manipur river and the remaining 80 lakhs sq metre from areas like Keibul Lamjao and Mayang Imphal side would be kept together so as not to allow spreading, the Project Director added.

IFC Minister N Biren, Works Minister K Ranjit, Chief Whip T Mangibabu, MLA Dr I Ibohalbi, MLA I Hemochandra and MLA M Prithiviraj were also present at the function.