Manipur's Loktak Lake draws tourists

Manipur's Loktak Lake is emerging as a major attraction for tourists.

Loktak Lake, situated in Bishnupur district of Manipur, some 48 kilometers from Imphal, and covers an area of 312 square kilometers.

It is rich in biodiversity and was recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1990.

On its south-west periphery lies the Keibul Lamjao National Park, believed to be the only floating National Park in the world, inhabited by the endangered Brow Antlered Deer or Sangai.

It is surrounded by hills and its scenic beauty has the potential of attracting many visitors.

Dhananjoy Singh, a local tourist, said: "We have come here to visit Loktak Lake and it's beautiful. The scenery makes me feel very fresh."

Various species of birds and animals inhabit the area, and a large population living in and around it depend on the lake for their sustenance.

Fish, a staple food in Manipur, mostly comes from this lake.

The water from the lake is used for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking purposes.

It provides many benefits and several stake holders are trying to develop and preserve the lake.

As part of the initiative, a water sports event was organized recently in the Takmu water sports complex at the lake.

Many people gathered for the event, where boat races and other games were held.

Dr. Shyamjai Singh, Scientific Officer, Loktak Development Authority, said: "This is a wonderful place, here we have everything. For the tourism point of view here we have one and only floating National Park in the world. Now we have more facility coming up like the water sports which we are trying to introduce here, and I am sure people are going to flock here."

A campaign to mobilize support for the conservation of Loktak, titled "Worldwide Save Loktak lake Campaign", is in full swing.

The state government has put into place several initiatives to develop it into a popular tourist spot within the next three years.

Th Radheshyam Singh, Superintendent of Police, Bishnupur District, said: "I think we can generate a lot of income and attract tourists from our country and from other countries as well. Though the lake is beautiful but due to lack of proper infrastructure and facility we can attract the tourist so more development measures should be taken up so that it will be a good tourist spot for our country."

The best time to visit the Lake is from November to early March.