Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 10 (EMN): Newly appointed chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) M Asnikumar on Friday undertook a field visit to forest areas of Tokpa Khul, created by LDA years back as part of the Catchment Area Conservation and Treatment Programme, which targeted 500 hectares of primary catchment areas of Loktak Lake.
Asnikumar became the first chairman of LDA to pay an official visit to the forest reserve, which has now become a rainforest by expanding to more than 1000 hectares and is now home to many endangered indigenous/rare species of flora and fauna.
This forest area has survived the test of time owing to natural regeneration and plantation by the locals, stated the LDA chairman.
It is an exemplary achievement which is only is possible due to the hard work and active participation of the local communities settled in and around Tokpa Khul and the LDA’s dedicated officers - Th Hemchandra Singh (Retd ACF), 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 aid in boosting the local economy.
At the conclusion of the field visit, the LDA chairman interacted with the local people of the area and appealed to them to continue their conservation efforts and assured them of all possible assistance from LDA as well as from other concerned state government departments for conservation of the forest and improvement of their livelihood.