Imphal: Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake of Manipur, is the lifeline for the people of the state. But it holds much more significance for the fishermen community. This lake is their primary source of livelihood. But now it has become a fight for survival for the fishermen. Government policies announced to conserve the lake is posing a huge threat to the fishermen as most of them lack any alternative livelihood skills.

"When I was young and was following my elders' footsteps, we could invest Rs 500 in fishing equipment, and catch fish worth Rs 1,000. However, now we have to invest Rs 20,000 in the equipment and we catch fish worth only Rs 500. The quantity of fish in the lake is going down," said Sanatomba, a local fisherman.

Sanatomba spends most of his time on this floating lake, doing what he is best at, fishing and supporting his family.

There are about 3,000 others, like Sanatomba. For them, Loktak is the only way to provide two square meals for their families.

Situated at a distance of 53 km from Imphal, the state capital of Manipur, Loktak Lake is best known for its floating islands and floating huts or Khangpok built on the phumdis, a series of floating islands, by the fishing community.

With an area of about 26,000 hectares, Loktak is the largest fishery resource of Manipur accounting for more than 50% of the fish producing area. About 12% of Manipur’s population depend on its resources.

No wonder, Loktak is referred to as their ‘Mother’ by the fishing community.

However, the removal of a large number of fish culture ponds from the core area of the lake has led to massive economic displacement. Enakhunba, who is a second-generation fisherman, is now struggling to make ends meet.

“This Khangpok on the 'Ema' (mother) Loktak Lake allows us to earn a living and take care of my family. If I stay at home (house on the land, a small island on Loktak Lake called 'Karang') I can't afford to send my kids to school or even feed them. The way we are living (fishing from hut) is because we are poor and don't have a choice. I owe money to other people. I built this hut on 'Ema' Loktak so that I can lead a normal and respectable life in the society. I don't know why people say it is fun to catch fish but to us fishermen it is a hard life,” said Enakhunba.

In 2006, the Manipur government enacted the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act aimed at conserving the lake.

But the government was oblivious about its impact on the fishing community.