‘Migratory birds return to Loktak Lake’

Imphal: Loktak Lake, Manipur’s lifeline and a designated Ramsar site, falling within Central Asian Flyway and East Asian-Australasian Flyway, has once again transformed into a vibrant sanctuary with the arrival of migratory water birds, said Loktak Lake Development Authority (LDA) on Monday.

The annual migration marks a celebration of life and underscores Loktak’s critical role as a refuge for avifauna. Among this year’s remarkable sightings, the return of the Tufted Pochard (Nganu Sadaang) stands out as a historic moment, seen after an absence of nearly four decades.

The Tufted Pochard, with its striking plumage andrarity, symbolizes resilience and hope.Its return highlights the improving ecological health of Loktak Lake and serves as an encouraging indicator of conservation efforts.

Joining the Tufted Pochard are a diverse aray of feathered visitors, including the elegant Red- crested Pochard (Thoidingnam Kok-ngang), tranquil Gadwall (Thoidingnum), Common Coot

(Porom), striking Great Crested Grebe (Kumjengbi), vibrant Femrginous Pochard (Eruppi Mitngoubi), cheerful Lesser Whistling Duck (Tingi), graceful Northern Shoveller (Nganu Khara), rare Mandarin Duck (Sana Nganu), and the delicate Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas (Thamnachenbi and Yen Pouraba). This annual spectacle reminds us that Loktak is not just a lake but a sanctuary teeming with life and promise, LDA said.

Chairman, M. Asnikumar Singh ‘earnestly’ appealed to the fishing communities and all stakeholders to help protect these precious visitors. Illegal hunting, trapping, and disturbances to nesting areas must be prevented to ensurd the birds’ safety and uninterrupted migration patterns.

Asnikumar said “The retum of the Tufted Pochard (Nganu Sadaang) after nearly four decades is a poignant reminder of Loktak Lake’s enduring importance as a haven for migratory birds. This is not just a victory for conservation; it is a celebration of our shared responsibility to protect these delicate ecosystems. Loktak is more than a lake – it is a living, breathing symbol of biodiversity and unity. Let us remain vigilant, report illegal activities, and safeguard the habitats of our migratory guests.Together, we can preserve this natural legacy for generations to marvel at and cherish.”