IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Delegates from various tribal communities of Manipur visited Loktak Lake on Sunday, experiencing its natural beauty through a boat ride and traditional hospitality ahead of the Mera Hou Chongba festival on October 26. The visit coincided with the state-level celebration of the 37th Loktak Day, bringing together representatives from the hill and valley communities.
The delegates were welcomed at homestays around the lake and served lunch before embarking on a boat ride across Loktak, in a programme aimed at fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties among Manipur’s diverse communities.
The programme was held as part of the 37th Loktak Day Celebration 2026, organised by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) at Loktak Lairembi Ground Stage.
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Addressing the gathering, Manipur’s titular king and former Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba called for collective efforts to conserve Loktak Lake, stressing that its protection should not be left solely to the communities living in its vicinity.
Sanajaoba said appreciating the lake for its natural beauty must be accompanied by concrete efforts to preserve it. Describing Loktak as a mother to all, he said its conservation was a shared responsibility of the public, elected representatives and the concerned authorities.
Recalling the conservation initiatives he had undertaken during his tenure as a member of parliament, Sanajaoba urged other elected representatives to take similar initiatives. He cautioned that the lake’s condition could deteriorate further without sustained and collective intervention.
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He also underscored the importance of bringing hill and valley communities together, saying programmes associated with Mera Hou Chongba could foster mutual understanding, brotherhood and stronger relationships among the people of Manipur.
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Meanwhile, Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro announced plans to construct a shrine dedicated to Loktak Ima ahead of next year’s Loktak Day celebration. He also announced that he would donate agricultural land in the name of Loktak Ima.
Robindro said Loktak Day had been observed annually for nearly three decades to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the lake, particularly among younger generations. He welcomed the decision to organise the celebration at the state level from this year, noting that it would help broaden public awareness and encourage greater participation in conservation efforts.
He stressed that responsibility for protecting Loktak should not rest solely with the LDA or communities living around the lake, but should involve people from across the state.
The programme was attended by Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti, Kumbi MLA Sanasam Premchandra, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, chief secretary, principal chief conservator of forests Anurag Bajpai, LDA project director Heisnam Balakrishna and Loktak Day Celebration founder Heisnam Sanayaima, along with traditional leaders and delegates from various tribal communities.
The participation of hill delegates ahead of Mera Hou Chongba highlighted the cultural significance of the gathering, bringing the conservation of Loktak Lake into focus alongside efforts to strengthen understanding and ties among Manipur’s diverse communities.
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