By L.C.K Singh

Imphal, June 17 (ANI): Loktak Lake, which has the only floating wildlife sanctuaries in the world is a gift of nature to the people of Manipur.

A three-day Loktak water festival was organised here recently to project and promote Loktak as a major tourist destination. The theme of the festival was ‘Save Loktak, Save Our Life’.

This internationally important and biologically-rich lake besides being a unique wintering ground of various migratory waterfowls was the permanent home of many resident water birds.

Organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in association with Loktak Lake Fishermen Welfare Society at Thanga Chinglak Bazar, it was a major draw for people of Manipur.

Several indigenous water sports like, boat race, swimming, fish-netting, plantation of indigenous Phumdi, fishing Dance were showcased to attract tourists.

In April, the security forces of the State had carried out a massive `Operation Summer Storm’ to flush out militants from the Lake area.

With the festival, the people of the State are doing their best to keep the biggest fresh-water lake in the Northeast healthy and attractive.

“The festival has been organised to save Loktak and beautify the lake. The festival is a joyous event for the people as well as for the Loktak Lake. This initiative is really good,” said S. Kumar Ajit, a local visitor.

“We request the militants not to stay in the Loktak area. We appeal that they should not stall any developmental work taken by the Government. Loktak is not only for our generation but it is for generations to come. So we all need to protect this beautiful lake,” said Sanjit, another local resident.

“Arrival of tourists to watch the Loktak Lake will definitely benefit all of us. Their presence will allow us to sell our fish and ensure a good livelihood for our families,” said Kumajari, a fisher woman in Loktak.

Home to many exotic species of plants and animals like the Dancing Deer, Loktak serves as means of livelihood for the fisherman who reside in the surrounding areas and on Phumdis or floating islands.

It is also a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply in the state.

The festival is meant to serve as catalyst to give a fillip to tourism and help in boosting the economy of the state as well. (ANI)