In a significant move aimed at preserving ecological heritage and promoting regional culture, the Manipur Cabinet has officially declared Loktak Day a State Festival. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, setting the stage for annual celebrations across designated locations.
Dates and Venues for This Year
The annual celebrations are officially scheduled to kick off on October 26. This year's events will be hosted at the Loktak Lairembi Ground located in Thanga as well as at Komlakhong, with organization spearheaded by the Loktak Development Authority in active collaboration with various local clubs.
Significance of the Timing
Authorities confirmed that Loktak Day will be observed annually on the full-moon day of the Mera month, a period that typically falls in October. As the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, Loktak serves as a critical ecological landmark while remaining deeply intertwined with the livelihood and cultural identity of the local population.
Cabinet Discussions at Mantripukhri
The crucial administrative decisions were adopted during Thursday evening's cabinet session held at the Chief Minister's Office situated in Mantripukhri. Beyond the festival designation, the council reviewed and cleared several other policy matters impacting transport and urban planning.
Resumption of Remote Helicopter Services
Among the major resolutions passed during the meeting was the official approval to resume helicopter services connecting remote parts of the state, which had remained entirely suspended since October 1.
Partnership With Pawan Hans
To implement this transport revival, the state government has approved engaging Pawan Hans Limited, a central public sector undertaking, to re-establish aerial links between Imphal and isolated regions. This restored connectivity aims to ease passenger transit while functioning as a reliable transport lifeline during medical emergencies.
Funding and Operational Cost Sharing
Financial expenditure for the aviation service will be co-funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs under its dedicated North East helicopter scheme. Officials noted that if central funding is delayed or unavailable, the state administration will independently bear the full cost to prevent any disruption in services.
New Land Rules for Newspaper Presses
In a separate regulatory update, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of registered and licensed newspaper printing facilities equipped with web offset machinery under the public purpose category of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.
Relocation of Printing Facilities
Under this amendment, eligible press operators can formally apply for permission to utilize up to 0.62 acre of contiguous paddy land while adhering strictly to statutory safeguards. This regulatory adjustment is designed to help large publishing presses relocate away from congested residential zones, thereby curbing night-time noise pollution.
