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Page 26 June 2008
 
Loktak Lake
(24°25¢– 24°42¢N;93°46¢–93°55¢E) is the largestfreshwater lake in northeastern India.It is also called the only
"Floatinglake"
in the world due to the floating
Phundies
on it. It is located nearMoirang in Manipur state, 48 km. offImphal. It was designated as awetland of international importanceunder the Ramsar Convention onMarch 23, 1990.
Loktak Lake
It is an ancient lake and plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. Itserves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinkingwater supply. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fisherman who livein the surrounding areas and on
Phumdis 
- floating islands, which are actuallyheterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages ofdecomposition
.
 
Loktak lake is considered to be the lifeline ofthe State of Manipur due to its importance inthe socio-economic and cultural life of thepeople. It plays an important role in theecological and economic security of the region
.
 
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Page 26 June 2008
 
Justification for Designation as Ramsar Site
The Keibul Lamjao National Park,which is the last natural refuge ofthe Manipur brow-antlered deeror sangai (
Cervus eldi eldi 
), withan estimated population of 106 (in1991). is situated in thesoutheastern region of this lake.It is also the home of otherendangered species including aspecies of python (
Python molurus molurus 
).It is covered extensively by naturally -occuring phoomdis (mass of floatingvegetation) which are a specializedhabitat for many biota, besides beinguseful to the local people in many ways. Ithas been the breeding ground of anumber of riverine migratory fishes fromthe Irrawady - Chindwin river system andcontinues to be vital as a fish habitat.
 
A large population living in and aroundthe lake depends upon the lakeresources for sustenance. The staplefood of Manipur is directly linked toLoktak lake. Boat is the only means oftransportation from the floating huts tothe town.
 
 
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Page 26 June 2008
 
It is of enormous socio - economic importance for the inhabitants of Manipurvalley. The lake also supports a signfi cant population of resident and migratorywaterfowl.
Biodiversity Values
The lake provides refuge to thousands of birds which belong to at least 116species. Of these, 21 species of waterfowl are migratory, most migrating fromdifferent parts of the northern hemisphere beyond the Himalayas. Keibul LamjaoNational Park is the natural habitat of one of the most endangered deer, the brow- antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi) which is represented by about hundred individualsand was once thought to be extinct.
 
Flora
 
The Loktak lake with its numerousfloating lands covers a variety ofhabitats which sustains richbiological diversity. The aquaticmacrophytes comprising 233species belonging to emergent,submergent, free - floating androoted floating leaf types havebeen reported in the lake.
 
Fauna
A total of 425 species of animals (249 vertebratesand 176 invertebrates) have been recorded fromthe lake, which includes some rare animals such asIndian python, sambhar and barking deer.
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