Loktak Lake : Environment for UPSC Exams
Loktak Lake : Environment for UPSC Exams
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It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India(Manipur), and is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition) floating over it.
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Keibul Lamjao is the only floating national park in the world which is on this lake.
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The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the last natural refuge of the endangered sangai (state animal) or Manipur brown-antlered deer.
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This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply.
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The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, also known as “phumshongs”.
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Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, the lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on 23 March 1990.
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It was also listed under the Montreux Record on 16 June 1993, "a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur".
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Loktak Lake is fed by the Manipur river and several tributaries and ‘Ungamel Channel’ (Ithai Barrage) is its only outlet now.