The Manipur Government has expressed its reservations to the Centre over a hydro-electric modernisation plan in the state’s famous Loktak Lake saying it could be detrimental to the endangered species of Sangai deer apart from disturbing the biodiversity of the lake. It has also said it was not consulted before a detailed project report (DPR) was prepared.
Sangai is endemic to Manipur and critically endangered. It also has immense cultural relevance to Manipur. Loktak Lake is regarded as among the most beautiful and ecologically diverse lakes in the Northeast.
A meeting in this regard was held by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest in the national capital with Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar Singh among other state officials expressing the Manipur government’s concerns over the project.
“Chief Wildlife Warden, Manipur, Shri S Chhabra IFS also highlight the critical ecological status of Keibul Lamjao Floating National Park and the alarming situation of its biodiversity, with a serious threat to the existence of the world-famous Sangai deer