Our Correspondent
Sendra, Nov. 21 (EMN): Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched the hydraulic excavator (long boom) at Sendra, Loktak Lake on Monday, in the presence of Public Health Engineering Minister L Susindro Meitei and Chairman, Loktak Development Authority Moirangthem Asnikumar.
The programme was organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA).
Speaking on the occasion, Biren Singh stated that Loktak Lake is very important for the people of Manipur and as such the state government has been taking up various initiatives to preserve the lake. He informed that a cabinet sub-committee had been formed to further initiate preservation of the lake adding that demarcation of the area of the Loktak Lake would be carried out soon.
The Chief Minister maintained that the state government would make sure that the locals don’t face any hardship during the rejuvenation work, adding that various steps had been taken up considering the necessity to save the lake.
He continued that various floating huts were removed, though they were beautiful and further stressed the need to set up huts in systematic and hygienic ways, so that the environment of the lake is not deteriorated.
Expressing concern on the deteriorative condition of the lake, the chief minister further stated the need for government officials to work sincerely and transparently in order to bring development in the state. He urged officials to do field visits rather than just performing table work.
Mentioning that the state government would do whatever had been assured earlier, he appreciated the locals residing near Loktak Lake for their support and cooperation in the efforts to preserve it. He further informed that the Asian Development Bank would provide financial support to the state, in developing the Loktak Lake to the world class level. He also informed that representatives of G20 countries would be visiting the state in February next year and as such it was important to make the lake clean before the visit.
Chairman, LDA, Asnikumar stated that various development efforts had been taken up to preserve the Loktak Lake, under the initiative of the chief minister.
‘Tourists from across the world are showing their willingness to see the beauty of the Loktak Lake, which is now known as an eco-tourism hotspot,’ he said. He continued that the state is coming up with a master plan to rejuvenate the Loktak lake in a long-term approach, with the support of Asian Development Bank.
He expressed hope that with all the efforts of LDA, the Loktak Lake will become an iconic site in Southeast Asia. Project Director and officials of LDA and people residing around the lake also attended the programme among others.