Manipur polls: Here's why Loktak lake is on the manifesto of every political party

Protected by the Ramsar Convention, the Loktak lake and its surrounding wetland is home to over three lakh people who depend on the ecosystem for their livelihood. The BJP has promised “to formulate a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the endangered species and flora and fauna of the state.” It has pledged to “preserve, develop and maintain the Loktak Lake to ensure it becomes an iconic wetland site of South East Asia.” It has also promised to restructure the Loktak Development Authority for the management of the lake and its associated wetlands. The Manifesto pledges “to conserve and promote the heritage of the Champu Khangpok floating village.” The Congress, which had brought in the Loktak Development Act during its tenure in power, also promised “to create State Forest Development Corporation and Loktak Lake Research & Training Centre”. The National People’s Party has promised “to review the Loktak Protection Act of 2006 and amend the legislation to make it more scientific and people-centric and align it with Ramsar convention and the National Wetlands Rules, 2017.” It has also promised to restructure the LDA, “based on environmental and scientific concerns, and community needs.” Oinam Rajen, convenor of the All Loktak Fishermen Union, who is a resident of the floating village, however, told India Today that “political parties are not doing anything for the fishermen,” and the unions are set to fight the government in court on the lake development projects. POLITICAL PROMISES BJP’s candidate from Thanga, T Robindro Singh, whose constituency could host the larger chunk of the ecotourism plans, said the party will “try to convince people” about the benefits of the project.