Loktak Lake, nestled in Manipur's Bishnupur District, stands as the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and reputedly in South Asia
This lake is fed by the Manipur River and its tributaries, with the Ungamel Channel (Ithai Barrage) serving as its sole outlet
The lake's fame stems from its mesmerizing Phumdi- a heterogeneous mass of floating vegetation, soil, and organic matter, covering up to 40 sq km
It hosts floating huts on the world’s only floating protected area, the Keibul Lamjao National Park
This houses the endemic Sangai deer, 57 waterbird species, 14 wetland-associated bird species, and yields 1,500 tonnes of fish annually
The Endangered Sangai or Dancing deer serves as the Climax species on Loktak Lake and a sacred connection between humans and nature
Reduction in vegetation cover due to deforestation and Ithai barrage construction poses threats to Loktak’s ecology
The diminishing Phumdi thickness causes limb entrapment of Sangai in marshy areas, while edible fruit and rhizome lotus production impacts local livelihoods
Soil erosion from catchment areas and displaced communities further impacts the lake's ecosystem