But due to indiscriminate felling in the catchments, 4.5 million cu.m. of soil are eroded each year and 0.65 m cm are deposited in Loktak Lake reducing 4 mcm of water holding capacity in the last 10 years. About 18 rare indigenous fish species have also disappeared from the Lake. If it’s the trend, then we may not see Loktak Lake in 2050.
Other important existing but degraded lakes are Kharungphat, Khoidumpat, Pumlenpat, Loukoipat, Sanapat, Yaralpat, Poiroupat, Ikopat, Waithoupat, Ngakrapat and Loushipat. These lakes remain threatened due to artificial eutrophication and large scale encroachment for cultivation and fish farming. Since the healthiness of our wetlands is so much challenged, this year the number of migratory birds coming to the State has been reduced drastically. It is really a challenge for our ecosystem.
Soil erosion due to large scale deforestation in the catchments followed by the change in the land use pattern and fish farming inside the wetlands are the root causes for the loss of wetlands. Development activities such as roads and canals inside the wetlands are also another reason. And this is again made worse with the excessive deposition of plastic and other harmful wastes and water being diverted to make dams, ponds, channels and canals.
Enabling people for a decent living and at the same time ensuring the conservation and safety of wetlands is our primary objectives of this day.We need also to educate the younger generation about the importance of wetlands and wetland conservation. The dreams of Manipur for being a world tourism hotspot will come true, only when we conserve our hills, forests, wildlife and the wetlands altogether. Therefore, let’s join hands today to save and secure our wetlands for a better tomorrow.