×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 01 August, 2022

  • 8 Min Read

LOKTAK LAKE AND RECENT CONTROVERSY

LOKTAK LAKE AND RECENT CONTROVERSY

Loktak Lake Authority of Manipur recently issued a notice to remove all floating houses and fishing structures on Loktak lake. This has received a sharp reaction from the local Fishing Community & Homestay Operators.

What are the Issues?

  • There is a Lack of regulation.
  • There is a growing number of homestays and huts that are constructed and have put the lake at vital risk, and even impacting the environment.
  • There has been a sharp reduction in fish production and the traditional fisheries due to a major hydropower project that was started in the year 1983.
  • The Ithai barrage, commissioned in 1983, has brought about drastic changes in the characteristics of the wetland.
  • Also, there is a loss of huge agricultural land due to inundation and increased levels of sediments and pollutants by untreated rivers.
  • This step was taken to rejuvenate the ecological condition of Loktak lake and delist it from the Montreux record.

The lake covers 61 per cent of the total identified wetlands of the state. It plays a significant part in the socio-economic and cultural life of Manipuris. So, the locals are protesting against the government's decisions.

About Loktak lake

  • It is the largest freshwater lake in the North–East India
  • Loktak Lake is in Bishnupur District which is 48kms from the Imphal City of Manipur.
  • Fishermen living in floating islands called Phumdis in floating huts known as Phumsangs are one of the unique sights of this lake
  • The only floating National Park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park located on Loktak Lake, is the last natural habitat of the “Sangai” (Rucervus Eldii), the dancing deer of Manipur.
  • In addition, the lake shelters about 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 types of birds, and 400 species of fauna like barking deer, sambar, and Indian python.
  • Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
  • Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.

Read also - Myanmar/Malaysia-India-Singapore Transit (MIST) Cable

Source: Down to Earth


Formation Day

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing

DNA

03 Dec,2025

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW Prelims Answer Key 2024