In a surprise twist to the tale the All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) came down heavily on the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) alleging that the authority is damaging the heritage Loktak Lake rather than preserving it.
The union has alleged that the LDA is maintaining double standard as some their endeavours towards preserving the eco-system of the lake contradict certain aspects of the Loktak Protection Act, 2006.
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Interacting with the media at Manipur Press Club on Friday, ALLAFUM secretary Oinam Rajen claimed that the LDA has overlooked the NHPC and it’s Ithai barrage which ‘is the main agent’ that is causing irreparable damage to Loktak’s ecosystem and its people.
He further said that the LDA has been accusing the people of Loktak for polluting Loktak.
However, the main problem is the solid and liquid wastes that comes from the streams and rivers, particularly that of Nambul river, the ALLAFUM secretary asserted.
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He further said that all types of biomedical waste, domestic waste, agricultural residues such as pesticides, fertilizers flow directly into Loktak.
The ALLAFUM secretary also alleged that the LDA has been ignoring these issues completely.
Construction of inland water ways complex at Sendra, dumping of phumdis at the lake shore for ‘conversion of lake land’, reclamation in the form of playground which is against the Wetlands Rules and Ramsar Convention and its guidelines are some of the issues that the ALLAFUM secretary had raised during the press briefing.