Manipur celebrated a historic milestone on October 7, marking the first-ever Loktak Day, an event that combined fitness, culture, and environmental awareness to spotlight the urgent need to conserve the state’s largest and most iconic freshwater lake — Loktak Lake. The day’s main attraction, the Loktak Run 2025, drew over 120 participants from across the state. The 7-kilometre run, themed “Save Loktak Lake,” began at the Hemam Nilamani Sports Complex in Ngangkha Leikai, Moirang, and concluded at the Open Gym along Omba Nurathel Road, near the serene edge of the lake. Each runner received a commemorative medal, symbolizing their commitment to both fitness and the cause of environmental preservation.
The event was organised by the Centre for Rejuvenation of Loktak Lake Watershed & Wetland, Moirang, in collaboration with the Runners Club Moirang. It was held under the guidance of Moirang MLA Th Shanti Singh and supported by the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change and the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Government of Manipur. Addressing the participants, MLA Th Shanti Singh stressed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the lake’s fragile ecosystem. He noted that Loktak, often referred to as the “lifeline of Manipur,” has long sustained communities through fishing, irrigation, and tourism but now faces growing ecological challenges, including pollution, encroachment, and the degradation of its famed phumdis (floating biomass).
Adding a vibrant cultural touch to the day’s celebrations, the traditional Hiyang Tannaba boat race — a centuries-old sport synonymous with Manipur’s heritage — thrilled onlookers with its colorful spectacle and competitive spirit. The race served as a reminder of the deep connection between the people and their waterways.
