Why in the news?

  • A recent study by Nagaland University has established a direct link between land use and severe water pollution in Loktak Lake.

Loktak Lake

  • Location: Manipur
  • Associated River: Rivers like Khuga, Nambul, Imphal, Kongba, Iril, and Thoubal drain into Loktak Lake.
  • Ecological Significance
    • It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is known for its unique floating biomass, called phumdi in the Meitei language.
    • It is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park.
    • The lake supports 132 plant species and 428 animal species, including several endemic and migratory species.
  • Protection Status: It is a Ramsar site placed under Montreux Record since 1993.