Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. Imphal, the capital city of Manipur is 48 kms from the lake and is well linked by road and air. It is a huge lake with a land area differing from 250 square kilometres to 500 square kilometres during the rainy month with a typical area of 287 square km. The lake is one-of-a-kind tourist attraction. Loktak Lake is not only India’s largest freshwater lake, but it also has distinctive floating islands known as “phumdis.” These solidified circular landmasses are made up of plants, soil, and organic debris (at various states of decomposition). Resembling miniature islands, these phumdis are found in various forms, floating on the lake. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply in the region, other than being the source of income for many fishermen who largely depend on it. Children of the fishermen can even be seen playing and running around on these phumdis. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is located on the lake’s southwestern shore, adds to the lake’s uniqueness. It is home to the endangered Manipuri browantlered deer, Sangai, and is the world’s only floating national park ∎
