CHENNAI, March 27: Conveying the absolute need to conserve Loktak Lake immediately with a tagline-Loktak, the Lifeline Of Manipur, North East Centre for Environmental Education (NECEER),Imphal organized the third phase of Save Loktak Lake Worldwide Campaign at Marina Beach on March 26 under the leadership of Thangjam Bicky as the Chennai City Coordinator.
According to a statement of the organization the Campaign was conducted with the help of 20 volunteers and was started with a pledge to save Loktak Lake. Then the group was divided into a group of approximately 6 teams, each with a mission to make people aware of the Loktak Lake and explain the immediate needs to conserve the lake. People’s responses, comments and opinions about the lake and its campaign were taken and noted.
It further maintained that it was stressed that if the lake is lost, India will be losing a great asset as the lake is an internationally acclaimed biological ecosystem of universal importance. During the campaign people were made to realize the calamities and possible aftermath of the lake`s disappearance. Pamphlets were distributed to people to better understand the voices towards the conservation of the lake.
It further maintained that the Chennai campaign is the 11th city hosting the Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. More than 700 volunteers and 32 city coordinators across the globe are involved in organising the campaign.
It also stated that the increasing number of the youth involvement is a proof to the success of the ongoing Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. It can be mentioned that the first and the second phase of the campaign have been conducted in 2010. Delhi, Guwahati, Manipur, Silchar and Shillong witnessed the first phase of the campaign. The second phase was conducted in Mumbai, Kolhapur, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Both the phases have been a huge success with mass involvement all over India.
The third Phase of the campaign started with a successful campaign at Pune, where it was organised at Wadia College, Pune. The next campaign will be organized at Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) in April 2011 under the leadership of Chanchan Yumnam.
It has further requested everyone to support the noble cause which was started with a mission to create awareness about the present situation of the Loktak Lake and to conserve it.
It further added that the campaign is supported by more than 20 international and national organisations. It will conclude in 2012 with a grand campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involving the local inhabitants, local NGOs and the government officials amongst others. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer„ Sangai – Cervus eldi eldi and many other endangered species. The lake is an Important Bird Area identified by BNHS, Mumbai and Bird life International, it added.