Loktak Lake

Location: Loktak Lake is located near Moirang in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, India. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. Unique

Feature: The lake is famous for its “phumdis”—a local term for floating masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. These phumdis float on the surface and provide habitat to many species.

Ecological Importance: It supports the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. This park is the last natural refuge of the Sangai (brow-antlered deer), which is also the state animal of Manipur. The lake plays a vital role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance and serves as a source of water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower generation.

Economic and Social Importance: Loktak is often called the “lifeline of Manipur” because it supports local communities through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The Loktak Hydroelectric Project utilizes the lake’s water resources for power generation.

Environmental Concerns: The lake is facing shrinkage, pollution, and loss of biodiversity due to human encroachment, siltation, and the Ithai Barrage construction. Conservation efforts are being taken under the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) with support from Wetlands International and Ramsar Convention.

Ramsar Site: Loktak Lake was designated as a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance) in 1990. Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.