As the Loktak Lake Faces Imminent Threat, Experts Warn of Disappearance Within 50 Years Without Immediate Scientific and Social Intervention
TFM Report
In a stark warning that has reignited concerns over the future of one of Northeast India’s most vital ecosystems, Professor W. Chandbabu, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, declared that Manipur’s iconic Loktak Lake could vanish within the next five decades if current trends of pollution and ecological degradation continue unchecked.
The alarming prediction came during a scientific discussion titled “Reviving Loktak: A Discourse on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Loktak Lake,” organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences at DM University on Wednesday.
A Lake in Peril
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and the cradle of Manipur’s unique floating phumdis, is facing an existential crisis. Professor Chandbabu emphasized that the lake, deeply intertwined with the state’s history, culture, and biodiversity, is deteriorating at an alarming rate both environmentally and ecologically. “Whether Loktak Lake will survive another 50 years if the pollution and degradation continue has become a pertinent question,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of collective action to reverse the damage.
The lake’s plight is multifaceted. Encroachments, unchecked pollution from agricultural runoff and urban waste, and the disruptive impact of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project have all contributed to its decline. Professor Koijam KK Mani Bhushan, Head of Environmental Sciences at DM University, pointed out that the lake’s surface area has shrunk dramatically due to human activities, with siltation and illegal settlements further fragmenting its ecosystem.
The Hydroelectric Project’s Controversial Role
A significant point of contention is the Loktak Hydroelectric Project, operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). While the project provides electricity to the region, experts argue that its Ithai Barrage has severely altered the lake’s natural hydrology. By blocking the flow of nutrient-rich sediments, the barrage has disrupted aquatic life and accelerated the proliferation of invasive weeds, turning parts of the lake into stagnant, oxygen-deprived zones.
“The Loktak Hydroelectric Project has had a negative impact on the lake,” Professor Bhushan noted, adding that public awareness and policy reforms are critical to mitigating its effects.
Cultural and Livelihood Implications
Loktak Lake is not just an ecological treasure; it is the lifeblood of Manipur’s people. The lake supports thousands of fishermen, sustains the endangered Sangai (brow-antlered) deer in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, and holds immense cultural significance for the Meitei community. Its degradation threatens not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods and traditions of those who depend on it.
During the discussion, Salam Rajesh, a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy, moderated calls for a unified approach to conservation. “Reviving Loktak requires the collective effort of policymakers, scientists, civil society organizations, academics, and the public,” he said.
The discourse at DM University highlighted several urgent measures needed to save Loktak:
- Strengthening Legal Protections: Enforcing and expanding the Loktak Protection Act, 2006, to curb encroachments and penalize polluters.
- Sustainable Alternatives: Promoting eco-friendly livelihoods, such as organic farming and community-based tourism, to reduce pressure on the lake.
- Scientific Interventions: Deploying advanced monitoring systems, including AI and satellite imaging, to track ecological changes and guide restoration efforts.
- Public Engagement: Launching awareness campaigns to foster a sense of stewardship among local communities.
Government Response and Future Steps
In response to growing concerns, the Manipur government has pledged to establish a Loktak Revival Task Force to coordinate conservation efforts. However, activists and experts stress that time is running out. “If we delay, Loktak will become a textbook example of ecological genocide,” Professor Chandbabu warned.
The fate of Loktak Lake now hangs in the balance. Its survival will depend on whether Manipur—and the nation—can muster the political will, scientific expertise, and community solidarity needed to restore this irreplaceable natural wonder.
Loktak’s crisis mirrors the challenges faced by wetlands worldwide, from India’s Dal Lake to South America’s Pantanal. Its preservation could serve as a model for sustainable wetland management in an era of climate change and rapid urbanization.