Imphal: Lamphelpat, a once majestic lake in Manipur lost to history, is now undergoing a remarkable revival through the Rs 650 crore Lamphelpat Waterbody Project. Spearheaded by the Water Resource Department, Manipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the project aims to develop Integrated Flood Risk Management and ensure water security in the Imphal Valley.
With a water storage capacity of 124 million cubic meters, Lamphelpat Waterbody is poised to provide potable water to over 4 lakh residents of Imphal city. Additionally, the rejuvenation effort focuses on preserving the ecological integrity of the Nambul River, enhancing aesthetic values, and promoting eco-tourism potential in Imphal city.
Recent bird counts conducted by Wildlife Explorer Manipur, in collaboration with the Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur, indicate a significant increase in bird population at Lamphelpat Waterbody. In January 2024, the count surged to 5514 birds across 32 species, reflecting a marked improvement in the health of the waterbody and surrounding ecosystem.
Remmei Alemmei, Chief Engineer of Manipur’s Water Resources Department, highlighted ongoing dredging and vegetation marsh clearing efforts by Reach Private Limited Kolkata, aimed at restoring the waterbody.
Tourangbam Brajakumar, Director of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change of Manipur, praised the government’s efforts in wetland conservation, stressing the critical importance of wetlands for ecological health. With only 119 wetlands remaining out of the original 550, conservation efforts are crucial.
Brajakumar emphasized the role of wetlands in maintaining ecosystem balance and outlined the primary factors contributing to their decline, including transportation of eroded soil from deforested hills, siltation, urban encroachment, and climate change impacts.
The Lamphelpat Waterbody Project comprises six key components, including flood control measures, catchment area management, and eco-tourism promotion.
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