Manipur MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on Monday raised serious concern over the degradation of Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park, in Parliament. Citing the Loktak Hydro Project and Ithai Dam as the major factor affecting the surrounding environment and the ecosystem, he drew the attention of the Central government to address the issue.
Sanajaoba, who is also the titular King of Manipur, said it is an undeniable fact that the Loktak Hydro Project and Ithai Dam have been benefitting many people, but it is also a fact that it is affecting the environment and ecosystem on a large scale.
The MP said producing a total of 105 megawatt (MW), the Loktak Hydro Project has been supplying power amounting to 70 MW to the state of Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram while Manipur uses 35 MW.
Highlighting the demerit of Loktak Hydro Project and Ethai Barrage, he said a total of agricultural land measuring around 83,450 hectares has been completely submerged, thereby becoming a waste land.
Besides affecting the socio-economic and cultural life of the people living on the periphery of the Loktak Lake, the water level of the lake is rapidly decreasing, he added.
The MP further pointed out that the ecosystem and environment of the only floating park, which is also the one and only natural habitat of the endangered Sangai, the national animal of Manipur, having a population below 250, is also declining as a result of the project and the dam.
Considering all the factors, Sanajaoba drew the attention of the Central government for taking up all possible steps for the conservation of Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the only means to protect the endangered Sangai from extinction.
