Loktak Lake in Manipur at Bishnupur District is the largest freshwater Lake in the whole of India. This gorgeous lake is spread across 287sq km and is fed by five main rivers in Manipur. The Loktak Lake got its name from Meitei words Lok meaning stream tak meaning end hence it is the end of the Imphal River. Another unique feature of Loktak Lake is the floating mass of vegetation, these floating mass are called phumdis locally varying in thickness from 0.4 to 4.5 m deep.
Loktak Lake also has the famous Sendra Island resting on it, home to all the rivers and rivulets of Manipur and a famous tourist spot. The only floating National Park in the world is located in this lake called the Keibul Lamjao National Park that is home to sangai deer, wild boar, large Indian civet, otter, flying fox etc. Besides these animals there are a number of fish, amphibians, local and migratory birds and reptiles found in the park. Rock Python is the largest carnivore reptile on the floating islands of the lake.
In Manipur the Loktak Day is observed every year on 15th October at the periphery of the lake to celebrate its uniqueness. This lake is well connected by road to Imphal and is 39 km away. It also serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water. The Lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis. With 55 rural and urban hamlets around the Loktak Lake and a population of about 100,000 people living at the edge of the Lake, there is an enormous ecological pressure on the Loktak Lake. Today, Loktak Lake is at the highest level of eutrophication. The green surroundings, crimson sunset by the lake, pristine water, the labyrinth of boat routes add on to the beauty of the lake.
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