Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) Residents Oppose The Site’s Relocation:
People argues that the proposed site has no connection with efforts to save the endangered deer.
- On the other hand, the people in surrounding villages have been doing everything possible to protect the deer.
Keibul Lamjao National Park:
- It is the only floating National Park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park located on the Loktak Lake is the last natural habitat of the ‘Sangai’ (Rucervus eldii eldii), the dancing deer of Manipur.
- This is the last natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai) the dancing deer of Manipur.
- In the 1950s, it was believed that the brow-antlered deer(Rucervus eldii eldii) had become extinct in the country. However, it was subsequently re-discovered in Manipur.
- Hog Deer, Otter, a host of water fowls and migratory birds are found here.
- Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for the phumdis floating over it.
- Phumdis are the heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition.
- This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation.
- Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
- Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.
- Human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem.
