Imphal, June 8: Manipur University on Monday hosted the first consultative meeting for a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India-funded project aimed at transforming Loktak phumdi biomass into valuable eco-friendly products while enhancing local livelihoods.
The project, titled “Sustainable Conversion of Phumdi Biomass from Loktak Lake into Green Energy, Biochar, and Vinegar for Livelihood Enhancement in Manipur,” is being coordinated by Prof. Ksh. Lal Bihari Singha of the Department of Botany, Manipur University.
The meeting was held at the university campus in Canchipur and brought together representatives from academia, government agencies, and partner organisations to deliberate on strategies for the effective implementation of the pilot project.
Vice-Chancellor (i/c) Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam attended the programme as Patron, while Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Smt. Pooja Elangbam, IAS, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Director of the Loktak Development Authority, Shri H. Balkrishna Singh, MCS, participated as Guest of Honour.
Other attendees included Dean of the School of Life Sciences Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei, Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, the University Engineer, the Project Officer, project co-investigators, implementation partners, and project staff.
The discussions focused on developing sustainable solutions for the management of Loktak phumdi biomass—floating masses of vegetation and organic matter that are characteristic of Loktak Lake. Participants explored ways to convert this biomass into green energy, biochar, and bio-vinegar, while simultaneously generating livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on the lake.
Experts highlighted the need to balance ecological conservation with economic development through a circular economy approach. Prof. B.K. Tiwari, consultant to the project, along with other experts and stakeholders, shared insights on technological interventions, environmental safeguards, and community participation.
Speakers underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among academic institutions, government agencies, and local stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in Manipur.
The project is being implemented through a multi-institutional consortium comprising Manipur University, the National Institute of Technology Nagaland, the Loktak Development Authority, Kanglei Environment & Livelihood Foundation, and the Society for Eco-restoration and Livelihood.
The interdisciplinary research team includes Co-Principal Investigators Dr. K. Khelchandra Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Manipur University; Dr. Th. Jackson Singh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Nagaland; and Dr. T. Basanta Singh, Senior Scientist at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region. Their combined expertise spans environmental science, engineering, agriculture, and community-based livelihood development.
The initiative is expected to demonstrate how phumdi biomass, often viewed as a management challenge in Loktak Lake, can be converted into valuable products, contributing to environmental conservation, renewable energy generation, and socio-economic development in the state.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.