IMPHAL, Feb 1: Implementing new techniques of fishing, fishermen are now using Chinese LED bulbs and deep water fishing net to catch fishes in Loktak Lake during night time which have turned the largest fresh water lake in the North East India into a mini light festival.
However, the impacts of such techniques have become a serious concern for nature/bird lovers.
Taking serious note of the drastic decline in the number of migratory birds which visited Loktak Lake this season, a team of Indian Bird Conservation Network and Centre for Conservation of Nature & Cultivation of Science conducted a preliminary study on the issue and ultimately found out that LED bulbs used by fishermen for catching fishes is the main reason behind the reduced sighting of migratory birds in Loktak Lake.
Loktak Lake is 256 square kilometres in area. The study was conducted within an area of 10 to 12 square kilometres by installing 700 to 1000 Chinese LED bulbs in every 1 square Km.
Birds who travel during night to their destinations are greatly hindered by the rays emitted from the LED bulbs, noted study co-ordinator K Kebirjit.
He further said that from the beginning, Loktak Lake has always been under the pressure of human needs and moreover number of floating huts have been increasing. As such, it is questionable if Loktak Lake is no more a safe haven for many species of birds as well as migratory birds.
He further informed that the team will continue to conduct studies on why number of migratory birds visiting Loktak Lake in winter season has decreased drastically.
On the other hand, members of Unique Wildlife Protection Committee, Sekmaijin have distributed dustbins to families residing in floating huts apart from urging them to refrain from hunting birds and catching fishes by using chemical substances.
It was reported that not more than 5000 migratory birds were sighted in Loktak Lake this winter.
Source: The Sangai Express
