Northeast Desk, 15th January: The Loktak Development Authority (LDA) categorically denies the baseless allegations made by the All Loktak Lake Fishers Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) in their press statement dated January 13, 2024. The claims against the Government of Manipur regarding the Inland Waterways Project are unfounded.
Contrary to ALLAFUM’s assertions, the Loktak Inland Transport Project, Phase-I, implemented in 2011-12, had its Phase-II detailed project report submitted in 2017 and sanctioned in 2018-19. However, due to a Manipur High Court ban on new projects in Loktak Lake, the project was halted, and the allocated amount of Rs 5 crore was duly returned to the Inland Transport Authority of India in 2022.
The recent visit by members of the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Government of India has no connection to any Inland Waterways Project in the state. There are no such projects in the pipeline.
The Loktak Development Authority commits to proactively engage with fishing communities in the future when undertaking any projects. The Authority emphasizes the importance of open communication and encourages stakeholders to seek clarification before making public statements.
LDA, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh, is confident in fulfilling its mandate. The state government is actively working on a fisherman welfare policy to safeguard the livelihoods of fishers in the state.
Loktak Development Authority reiterates its commitment to transparency, community involvement, and the sustainable conservation of Loktak Lake. The Integrated Management Plan (IMP) is in its final stage of approval by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.
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