Loktak lake is known as the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for the phumdis floating over it.
Phumdis are the heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition.
LOktak Development Authority has ordered to remove circular fish culture pond, hut or houses within the Loktak lake excluding Champu Khangpok, within a period of 15 days from the date of notification.
According to the notification which was issued on July 18 by LDA, In case of any of the concerned fails to comply with the notice, the LDA shall take necessary action for removal of such unauthorised activities without further notice to save the lake from further deterioration, the noitice said.
Meanwhile the local communities are requesting the authorities not to dismantle the existing structure.
Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, 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. Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
India has 49 wetlands in Ramsar list. Two wetlands from India, namely Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) feature in the Montreux record.
Keibul Lamjao National Park is also one of Phumdis in the lake. It is only floating national park in world.
Sangai Deer is an endemic species found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur. It is the state animal of Manipur. It is also known as dancing deer of Manipur. While walking on the floating biomass, Sangai often balances itself which looks as if it is dancing on the green grassland and therefore popularly called as ‘dancing deer’ of Manipur.
