The government of Manipur has initiated a project to restore and develop Ikoppat Lake, which is now under a great deal of environmental stress because of numerous fishing co-operative societies’ extensive agricultural operations and encroachments. The lake lies between the villages of Athokpam and Khangabok, some 32 kilometers southeast of Imphal. During a recent visit to the region, Chief Minister N Biren Singh met with local leaders and addressed the community’s concerns over the preservation of the water bodies surrounding Ikoppat Lake. CM Singh unveiled a number of development initiatives, including a Rs. 1.2 crore budget for cleaning the Loukhong wetland and the lake’s 13.5 km surface area.
According to officials, the lake’s depth has considerably decreased. Water samples analyzed physico-chemically show high contamination levels. The lake’s volume is estimated to be around 0.013 cubic kilometers. Singh announced additional plans for the development of the Ikoppat and Khangabok water bodies in addition to the lake restoration project. Additionally, a proposal of Rs. 50 lakhs was made to install water pumps in four paddy fields: Louhonbi Loukon, Keipha Loukon, Kiyam Loukon, and Tentharam Loukon. In an effort to improve community facilities and encourage public health, the Chief Minister will also approve the construction of an open gym facility in the area.
