Manipur’s trouble with disputed Loktak eco-tourism projects

Mention Manipur’s most famous places and one of the first names you hear of is Loktak Lake. Located around 45 km from state capital Imphal, Loktak is an ecological marvel; one unlike any other ecosystem in India. Such is its importance that it is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Wetlands Convention, 1971. 

Loktak is one of the most productive ecosystems that support the livelihood of locals as well as diverse and unique habitats. The critically endangered brow-antlered deer (Sangai) is endemic to this region. Besides, the massive wetland is critical habitat to migratory waterfowl from Europe and Central Asia, who come here via the Central Asian Flyway and the Eurasian-Australian Flyway during mid-winter.

Loktak lives up to its name, which in Meitei translates to “where streams end” — close to 30 rivers and streams feed into the lake, creating a 287 square kilometre water body, which is roughly the size of 53,000 football fields. Besides being a sight to behold, the lake absorbs floodwater during the monsoon season and supports the livelihoods of over three lakh people in Manipur throughout the year.