Imphal:: LDA Chairman M. Asnikumar undertook a field visit Friday of forest areas of Tokpa Khul which was created by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) years back as part of the Catchment Area Conservation and Treatment Program, which targeted 500 hectares of primary catchment areas of Loktak lake.
Now, the area has become a rainforest; has expanded to more than 1000 hectares and is now home to many endangered indigenous/ rare tree species of flora and fauna.
M. Asnikumar said, “This forest area has survived the test of time owing to natural regeneration and plantation by the locals.
It is an exemplary achievement which is only is possible due to the hard work and active participation of the local communities (who are settled in and around Tokpa Khul) and the LDA’s dedicated officers namely Shri Th. Hemchandra Singh (Retd ACF), Shri A. Bidyabushan Singh (Scientist-catchment area treatment) and their team.”
He conveyed his sincere appreciation to the villagers/local communities of Tokpa Khul for their colossal contributions in preserving the forest which will surely aid in boosting the local economy. He added, “Ultimately, it will also help in the conservation of the treasured Loktak lake.”
At the conclusion of the field visit, the LDA chairman interacted with the local people of the area; appealed to them to continue their conservation efforts of the forest and assured them of all possible assistance from LDA as well as from other concerned state govt departments for conservation of the forest and improvement of their livelihood. He also appriased the villagers that preserving the state’s natural resources like forests, water bodies is the primary environment agenda of the State Government. under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Manipur. M. Asnikumar is the first chairman of LDA to pay an official visit to Forest reserve of Tokpa village.
