Pollution of Loktak Lake and its Impact on Environmental and Livelihood Security of Inhabitants of Manipur

Abstract

Out of the 15.9 mha of total Wetland area in the country, the North-East (NE) accounts for 1.06 mha, which is around 4170% of the total geographic area of the region. Thereare7731 wetlands in theNEstates, besides11736 verysmall wetlands. Loktak lake is the only floating lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake of NE. The lake covers an area of about 26600 ha. It was designated as the wetland of international importance under Ramsar site in 1990. However, deterioration of the Loktak Lake due to pollution and human factor is posing a greatest threat to rural livelihood security of the region and the environment. The fishing Community directly depends on the lake for various purposes besides fishing, like food, fuel, fodder, medicinal plants. handicrafts, raw materials etc. Some efforts have been Initiated at various levels to conserve the lake. More than 600 volunteers, 32 city coordinators and 1 Worldwide coordinator are involved in organizing campaions to convev the need for Conserving the lake immediately. The campaign is supported hVmore than 20 international and national organizations which will be concluded in 2017 with a drand campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involvind the local nhabitants local NGOs and government officials. On the other hand. manv women leaders and men representing various fishermen organizations have expressed 'concerns on the intent of the Manipur Loktak Protection Act, 2006 that directly affect the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen community (90%) surviving on the lake since. The Act overlooked the socio-economic and cultural rights of the people and ecological relationships with the lake by not giving any alternate ways of earning to the fishermen. The importance of the rights of community participation in protecting the endangered ecology of Loktak lake should also be emphasized. This paper attempts to discuss in length the fate of Loktak Lake in the context of pollution and the various measures taken by various organizations to conserve the lake for future.