The Fishery department in Manipur has issued a stern notice to encroachers, demanding the immediate evacuation of the Takmu Experimental Fish Farm located at Sendra in Bishnupur district, Manipur. The director of Fishery, H. Balkrisna Singh, served the eviction notice on Tuesday, emphasizing that any encroachment within the farm’s boundaries is considered illegal and strictly prohibited.
The notice highlighted unauthorized activities, including the construction and expansion of fishery ponds, establishment of floating home stays and resorts, erection of ring bunds utilizing phumdis (floating biomass) as boundaries, plantation of lotus and water lily, and the initiation of Pen culture and Cage culture without proper permissions. Additionally, the unauthorized use of private boats for ferrying tourists was noted.
The Takmu Experimental Fish Farm, spanning 500 hectares in Bishnupur, falls under the control and supervision of the Fishery department, aimed at sustainable development of fisheries activities and the betterment of the livelihoods of local communities around Lake Loktak.
The government observed a concerning deterioration of the lake’s environment and ecosystem due to increasing encroachments within its natural boundaries. The construction of home-stays on phumdis, establishment of pen and cage culture, and the use of phumdis for ring bunds have led to a proliferation of phumdis and weeds inside the lake. This poses a serious threat to locals relying on the lake water for drinking purposes. Large-scale plantation of lotus, water lily, and other plants has further degraded the lake’s environment and hindered fisheries development.
The director emphasized that the eviction notice serves as a warning for all concerned parties to vacate any structures erected within the lake immediately. Failure to comply will result in the initiation of an “Eviction Drive” by the Fishery department, in coordination with the district deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.