Lamphelpat waterbody project: A majestic lake in Manipur undergoes remarkable revival
Manipur but relegated to the annals of history, is now undergoing a remarkable revival, thanks to the Rs. 650 crore Lamphelpat Waterbody Project initiated by the Water Resource Department, Manipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The primary objective of this ambitious project, as articulated by Remmei Alemmei, Chief Engineer of Manipur's Water Resources Department, is to develop Integrated Flood Risk Management and ensure water security in the Imphal Valley. With a staggering water storage capacity of 124 million cubic meters, Lamphelpat Waterbody is poised to provide potable water to over 4 lakh residents of Imphal city through the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
Moreover, this rejuvenation endeavour is not merely about bolstering water resources; it also entails preserving the ecological integrity of the Nambul River, enhancing aesthetic values, and promoting eco-tourism potential in the Imphal city. Already, there have been promising signs of ecological revival, with increased sightings of migratory and resident birds flocking to the waterbody.
Wildlife Explorer Manipur, in collaboration with the Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur has conducted bird counts in Lamphelpat Waterbody, revealing a significant upsurge in bird population compared to previous years. This year's count surpassed 3000 birds, indicating a marked improvement in the health of the waterbody and surrounding ecosystem.
The Wildlife Explorer reported that in the previous year of 2023, they counted
