Subject Focus: Sustainable Development and Water Resource Management of Loktak Lake.

Summary: In Manipuri folklore, it is said that while the Loktak Lake is like a mirror, Lord Thangjing is considered to be its gilding. The characteristic feature of the lake is the presence of floating mats of vegetation, known locally as Phoomdis. It is also a great reservoir of fish and serves as the winter home for waterfowls. This huge bio-wealth makes it one of the 18 Bio-diversity hotspots of the world. But its existence is under threat from the construction of the Ithai barrage for hydropower generation. Deforestation and deposition of silt into the lake have further added to the problems. The film examines the project and its underlying issues in detail.

Producer’s/Director’s Profile: Satyen Wanchoo is a private producer, who has specialized in documentary filmmaking on nature conservation and the environment. He has filmed on a wide range of subjects, from habitat destruction to the threats posed by climatic change and the development of environment friendly solutions and technologies. He has nearly 300 short films on environment and wildlife to his credit. One of the films directed by him is Lime Buildings Breath.