Manipur: Loktak lake suspended for all activities till March

Imphal: The All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) has suspended all activities including the entry of fishermen along the banks of Loktak Lake for three months at night to prevent migratory birds visiting the lake during the season. Keep growing and growing. More fingers on the lake.

The ban, which came into force on December 30, 2022, will remain in effect till March 30, said ALLAFUM President Heisnam Arunkumar. Similarly, there will be no movement of tourist boats in the lake.
According to Arunkumar, the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast has been witnessing an annual ban since 2016.

“Winter is the season for fingerlings to become more mature fish and overfishing can cause a rapid decline in fish populations. Also, migratory birds visit Loktak Lake during this season and It is important that we do not disturb them, especially at night,” said Arunkumar.

The Union has also banned the use of LED bulbs and the njao Thaba/Inao Thaba technique (use of small or large size fishing nets) at night during this period.
Moreover, the use of poison and other lethal techniques like dynamos in Loktak Lake is strictly prohibited in all seasons.

Arunkumar further said that migratory birds from many countries come to visit Loktak lake during winter season.
“Using LED bulbs at night disrupts their behavior and we should not allow this to happen. To respect them and ensure Loktak remains a migratory bird paradise, we must The use of LEDs should be stopped during the season. Remember, it has great potential for eco-tourism,” he said.
Stating further that motorized boats are harmful to aquatic plants as well as fishes, he said, “The Union has expressed hope that all motorized boats plying on Loktak Lake, both small and large, will be banned. should be closed, except for some essential boats, between Thanga and Karing and for medical emergencies The union has earlier written to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change.
Our appeal has been heard and the Ministry has also asked the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to take action on it. However, LDA has kept silent on this matter.

ALLAFUM has appealed to all Loktak fishermen to respect this decision. We also appeal to the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to ban motor boats and start using LED bulbs for night fishing, he added.