Degradation of Loktak Lake: A Wake-Up Call for Environmental Responsibility

Changes in land use, including agriculture and settlements, are causing significant degradation of water quality in rivers feeding into Loktak Lake, one of India’s most iconic freshwater ecosystems. The study by Nagaland University highlights threats to biodiversity and local livelihoods, pushing the lake onto the Montreux Record, a list warning of wetlands experiencing severe ecological damage.

According to the study, agricultural runoff and human settlements have notably increased pollution levels in rivers such as Nambul and Khuga, which are among the most polluted due to high land-use disturbances. The research emphasizes the importance of community-based land management and stricter regulation of agricultural practices to restore the lake's health.

The study, featured in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution, confirms that sustainable agriculture and controlled Jhum cycles are essential steps for protecting Loktak Lake and its unique ecosystem, including the habitat of the endangered Sangai deer. Effective land management not only addresses environmental concerns but also safeguards the livelihoods of Manipur's local communities.