Imphal: All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) organised a felicitation programme Wednesday for the newly appointed Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), M Asnikumar Singh at Champu Khangpok Floating Village, Loktak Lake.
Since the establishment of the LDA in 1987, this was the first time an LDA chairman has physically visited the floating village and it was also the first instance of an LDA Chairman being felicitated by the fishermen union in the lake.
During the programme, a unanimous resolution was taken to work closely with the LDA, other government authorities keeping in mind the Government’s vision of saving the lake and the needs of the fishermen who depend on the lake for survival.
Asnikumar speaking at the function, appealed to the fishermen’s community settled in and around the lake; for their active participation in the conservation of the lake which is one of the cradles of Manipur’s history and culture.
He said that the lake which plays a crucial role in the state’s socio-economic life as well as regulation of natural climate should not be allowed to perish in front of our eyes and that it is the collective responsibility of each and every stakeholder to contribute to its conservation and maintenance.Â
The Chairman also stressed that the LDA’s purpose is to save the Lake and that the government’s vision for the lake, under the Chief Minister’s leadership is a holistic approach towards conservation with proper and active participation from all stakeholders.
He also appealed to the fishermen to be torchbearers in the conservation activities as they practically understand the lake’s minute features better than anyone. The grievances and suggestions of the fishermen were also duly noted by the LDA officials who accompanied the Chairman.
