Union minister scans condition of KLNP, Loktak Lake
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, December 27 2021: Union minister of environment, forest & climate change Bhupender Yadav on Monday took stock of the condition of Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Bishnupur district which is the abode of various flora and fauna, including the state animal Sangai.
Addressing a function organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at the Loktak Inland Water Transport Complex in Sendra, Union minister Bhupender Yadav said that it is our responsibility to fully implement the integrated management plan of Loktak and as a Union minister he fully takes the responsibility for it.
He opined that development cannot be done without the local participation.
He reminded that development means preserving the natural beauty of the area including the protection of the biodiversity and to give a dignified level of life by uplifting the economic status of the people living in and around t he periphery of the lake.
The Union minister stressed that ail should think of developing the gift of the nature as the periphery of the Loktak Lake has lot of species including the endangered ones and migratory birds arriving in the lake.
He also mentioned that Loktak is not only a lake but also an important historic landmark of India's independence struggle.
This is the sacred place from where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose showed the dream of an independent India to the people of the country.
Bhupender Yadav assured that he would be visiting the state again in January next year to sit along with the representatives of local authority, local villagers, and minister and officials of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to discuss the integrated plan of Loktak Lake.
He also added that he will give full support to the work plan taken up by the state government.
Attending the programme, chief minister N Biren Singh said that the state has been unable to timely and wisely utilise the gifts given by the nature in various forms of flora and fauna abundantly found in the state.
Stating that presently the centre has recommended Rs 1,450 crore for the state, he mentioned that the focus of the state government is to make Manipur the number one tourist spot in the entire country.
The function was also attended by forest, environment and climate change minister Awangbow Newmai, Thanga MLA T Robindro Singh, LDA chairman L Susindro Meitei, along with officials of LDA, Environment Directorate and Forest Department.
Earlier in the day, minister Awangbow Newmai led a team comprising officials of Forest Department and Environment Directorate who accompanied the Bhupender Yadav to the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Forest Department officials highlighted various flora and fauna found in the area and various reports regarding developmental efforts taken by the department for the protection and conservation of the biodiversity in the area.
On the other hand, the Union minister inquired the Forest Department officials posted at KLNP on the various challenges faced by them while executing their official work and ensuring local participation in protection and conservation efforts of the KLNP.
India Tourism Development Corporation chairman Sambit Patra, LDA chairman L ,Susindro Meitei, additional chief secretary MH Khan; principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi, chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) L Lukhoi Singh, conservator of forest L Joykumar Singh, deputy conservator of forest (Park and Sanctuary) Khuraijam Sanajaoba, Bishnupur divisional forest officer Dr Rebika Soibam Chanu along with officials and staff of the Forest Department of KLNP accompanied the Union minister.
The team also included officials of Directorate of Environment led by Director Dr Y Nabachandra Singh, joint director Dr T Brajakumar Singh and other officials.
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