Lake in Nagaland

Environmentalists taking part in the celebration of World Wetlands Day Thursday expressed concern over the fast diminishing wetlands of Manipur. Out of 155 lakes which existed in Manipur, it was reported that 136 have dried up and on the verge of extinction.

The lakes that still remain and under threats are Pumlen (Khoidum), Ekop (Kharung), Loushi, Waithou (Punnem), Aongbeekhong, Ushoipokpi, Sana, Utra, Tankha, Kharam, Lamphel, Jailet, Jeimeng and Loktak lake. State Environment and Ecology department has identified these lakes during a survey on March 2, 2011 and most of these lakes located in Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.

Wetlands of Manipur faced challenges in the form of inherent problems both natural and human induced on its ecological health even though authorities of state government has given top most priority in taking up various steps for restoration, conservation, protection and improvement of the wetland ecosystem.

Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake of North East India and also a Ramsar Site of International Importance, degrading state day by day, said an environmentalists and expert, who took part in one of the celebration at Hotel Imphal, organised by Eco Club in association with Manipur Pollution Control Board.

Professor B Manihar Sharma of Manipur University Life Science Department observed that except the Loktak Lake, almost all the wetlands in Manipur are on the verge of extinction.