Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in North East India is the world’s only floating lake. The lake is located at Moirang in Bishnupur District in the state of Manipur and its total area is 287 sq.km .The beautiful lake has a floating biomass known as phumdis. These phumdis are circular floating landmasses made of heterogeneous vegetation, soil and organic matter at different stages of decomposition. The lake is said to be the “Lifeline of Manipur” because it has been the source of water for irrigation, habitat for several plants used as food and medicines, fishing ground for local people, fodder, fuel, biodiversity, recreation etc. Thousands of fishermen make their livelihood in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, catching about 6.6 million pounds of fish every year.
Increase human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem. So considering the ecological status and biodiversity values, the lake was designated as a Wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on 23rd March 1990 due to its uniqueness and put into limelight for its conservation and management. The lake was also listed under the Montreux Record on 16th June 1993 (a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur).
The phumdis support 233 species of aquatic macrophytes,57 species of waterbirds,14 species of wetland associated birds, 28 species of migratory waterfowl (migrating from the northern hemisphere beyond the Himalayas) and 425 species of animals. Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world is an integral part of Loktak Lake that covers an area of 40 sq.km. Two-thirds to three fourths of the total park is formed by phumdis.A waterway through the park provides a year round access by boats plying through the Loktak Lake.The Keibul Lamjao National Park serves as a habitat for Sangai or brow-antlered deer which were once thought to be extinct.Other animals found here are wild boar, large Indian civet, flying fox, Indian python etc.
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much Pooja.
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