Zeilad Lake : A common heritage

Poujiabthai Gangmeih *

Zeilad Lake is one out of many famous lakes in Tamenglong district, in January 2020 :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

Conservation must empower, not alienate, indigenous communities

Land has always been one of humanity's most valued possessions. Beyond its physical worth, land sustains life, supports ecosystems, and nurtures biodiversity. For centuries, societies have wrestled with the relationship between land and ownership. The ancient Roman concept of "res communis" which treated air, water, and seas as resources shared by all laid the foundation for what is now called the common heritage of mankind.

This principle urges us to protect certain natural assets not just for today, but for the generations yet to come. Philosophers like John Locke, Hegel, and Rousseau have long debated the nature of property.

While Locke and Hegel linked it to labor and personal identity, Rousseau warned that the beginning of inequality came when someone first claimed land as their own. Today, laws attempt to balance private rights with collective responsibility especially when the land in question holds cultural, ecological, and historical value.

One such place is Zeilad Lake, nestled in the peaceful hills of Tamenglong, along the banks of the Barak River. To the Rongmei Naga community, Zeilad is not just a lake but it is sacred ground, a cultural landmark woven into their spirituality, folklore, and identity.

Among the most beloved folk stories is that of Asa and Mikcharung, the legendary companions of the Zeliangrong kindred people. Gifted with divine powers through a sacred sword, they eventually lost it in the waters of Zeilad. This event marks the lake as not only a geographic site but a spiritual one alive in community memory.

A Sanctuary or a Separation ?

Today, that connection is under threat. The Government of Manipur, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, proposes converting Zeilad and nearby villages into the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary. While conservation is a necessary goal, the current process raises serious concerns. There are reports that landowners have been misled and lured by promises of international prestige, including designation under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

But behind these promises lie real risks such as displacement, restriction of traditional practices, loss of land rights, and the end of community-led stewardship. When an area is declared a wildlife sanctuary under Indian law, it often comes with stringent restrictions. Although it aims to preserve wildlife, it can severely limit the rights and mobility of people who have protected and depended on these lands for generations.

In the hill regions of Manipur, where landholding systems are distinct from the rest of the country, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, does not apply. This leaves indigenous communities without the legal protections available elsewhere. Though Autonomous District Councils have some authority, it is often not enough to guarantee indigenous rights in the face of top-down conservation models.

Indigenous Rights and Moral Obligations

In this situation, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007) provides important moral guidance. While not legally binding, India voted in support of it, and its provisions offer powerful interpretive value.

o Article 25 affirms the right of indigenous peoples to maintain their spiritual relationship with traditionally owned or used lands, and to safeguard them for future generations.
o Article 26 confirms their right to own, use, and manage their ancestral lands.
o Article 29 supports their right to protect the environment and productivity of their territories.

These principles validate the traditional knowledge and conservation practices of indigenous communities like the Rongmei. Importantly, they echo the values embedded in the Indian Constitution.

o Article 48A (Directive Principles) urges the State to protect and improve forests and wildlife.
o Article 51A (g) (Fundamental Duties) calls on all citizens to protect the environment.

Though not justifiable, these provisions reflect the Nation's ethical commitment to environmental stewardship.

Let the People Lead

The notion that Zeilad's rich biodiversity would vanish without Government intervention is unfounded. The local community has cared for and preserved this land for generations through sustainable, traditional practices without outside enforcement or funding. What is truly at stake is not just a parcel of land, but a shared heritage - a legacy that ties people to their ancestors, culture, and natural surroundings.

If this land has thrived under community care for so long, what more is needed? Why should outside interests dictate how it must be preserved? Landowners and local leaders must act with prudence and responsibility.

The decisions they make will shape the future not only of their own families but of the entire community and its heritage. The short-sighted actions of a few must not be allowed to erase centuries of legacy.

What is needed now is constructive dialogue and inclusive decision-making. Conservation efforts must be carried out with the people, not against them. Preservation should enhance cultural integrity, not suppress it.

A Call to Protect

Zeilad Lake is not just a geographic feature. It is a living symbol of ecological harmony and cultural identity. It belongs not only to the Rongmei, or even just to Manipur but to all who believe in the sacred connection between land and life. As stewards of this legacy, we have a shared duty to protect it, not merely for ourselves, but for generations yet to come.

Zeilad Lake :: Pix - TSE/Poujiabthai Gangmeih