IMPHAL, January 9: Union Minister of Forest and Environment in-charge Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, has asked the State to submit a proposal for a National Sangai project to safe Sangai and to develop Keibul Lamjao to National Heritage site.
The Union Minister who arrived in the state yesterday stated this during his visit to Keibul Lamjao National Park today.
Briefing media persons at the sideline of the visit, Prakash Javadekar, said that he had discussed about the feasibility of the project with the concerned department of the state and asked them to submit a proposal to the Ministry in this regards.
Subsequent upon the submission of the proposal the Ministry will take up necessary measures specifically, he continued adding that the Ministry is very serious about the project.
Observing that Ramsar alone cannot ensure the survival of Keibul Lamjao, the Union Minister said that suggested that the state must take full advantage of all the three ministries including DoNER, Tourism and Environment Ministry. Together it will not only guaranty project for the protection of Keibul Lamjao but also help properly but revive its surroundings especially the endangered Sangai.
In addition, the success of the project will also improved the livelihood of the people and eco-tourism will develop, said Prakash Javadekar.
As for the declaration of the National Heritage site declaration, he said that the Ministry would take its decision based on proposal submitted by the state to ensure that there are no restriction of any kind on the people and their opportunity.
Further Prakash Javadekar observed that Keibul Lamjao being a unique place the Ministry must ensure to preserved and protect its ecological feature in it like the ‘Phumdi’ and the Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai) which are only found in Keibul Lamjao.
The Union Minister said that the protection of the Loktak Lake and Phumdi, primarily lies in the hands of the people surrounding the Lake adding that women, men and children alike are all stake holders in our endeavour.
Given the fact, it is the priority of the authority concerned to listen to the voice of the public to avoid any kind confrontation or hindrance in the development work, said Javedkar.
As a part of this trip, Prakash Javadekar first visited the Sangai view hill log located at Pabot Ching under Sangram Check Post of Forest Department and witnessed the features of Loktal Lake by travelling on a boat among the Phumdies. Later he visited the View land of Keibul Lamjao and released the annual Environment department Calendar.
The visiting Minister, just before his departure to Mizoram, told IPF at the Airport that the Central Vigilance Commission has starting examining the multi-crore Loktak Lake scam and soon a probe will follow suit.
