Maintaining that Forest Department is keeping a strict vigil to safeguard the Loktak lake including the wildlife, Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar said that the Department will take stern action against those who are found hunting and trapping migratory birds. Releasing 2018 calendar of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at his office chamber at New Secretariat today, Shyamkumar who also holds the portfolio of MAHUD warned fishermen to abstain from fishing using electric current at night time. He said that Project Director, officials and staff of LDA have been working tirelessly to conserve the Loktak lake, the largest freshwater lake in North East India and is home to the endangered brow-antlered deer, Sangai. He made an appeal to the locals in and around the lake to extend cooperation to the State Government and LDA in protecting the lake from various threats. The Minister expressed grave concern over the dwindling of migratory birds in the lake. He also appealed to the locals to refrain from bird trapping using net and other means. He said that the LDA calendar depicts the development projects undertaken during the previous year including pictures of the wildlife and periphery of the Loktak lake. Kshetrigao MLA Nahakpam Indrajit; Project Director of LDA L Bhagaton and several officials attended the release function.