Q41. What was the primary purpose behind the construction of the Ithai Barrage as part of the Loktak Multipurpose Project?
a) To promote tourism in Manipur
b) To maintain sufficient water volume in Loktak Lake for power generation and irrigation
c) To increase the fish population in Loktak Lake
d) To prevent flooding in agricultural areas around the lake
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Correct Answer: b) To maintain sufficient water volume in Loktak Lake for power generation and irrigation
Explanation: The Ithai Barrage was constructed as part of the National Loktak Multipurpose Project with the primary purpose of maintaining sufficient water volume in Loktak Lake. This was done to facilitate power generation and provide life irrigation facilities, thereby supporting the socio-economic development of the region.
Q42. What are some of the environmental impacts of the Ithai Barrage on Loktak Lake and its surroundings?
a) Increased biodiversity and eco-tourism
b) Improved water quality and reduced pollution
c) Serious environmental problems, especially affecting agriculture, fishery, and socio-economic
d) Enhanced natural beauty and recreational value of the lake
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Correct Answer: c) Serious environmental problems, especially affecting agriculture, fishery, and socio-economic aspects
Explanation: The construction of the Ithai Barrage has led to serious environmental problems in and around Loktak Lake. These problems particularly impact agriculture, fishery, and the socio-economic aspects of the local population, causing unemployment and altering the natural ecosystem of the lake
Q43. What are the proposed management plans to mitigate the adverse effects of the Ithai Barrage on Loktak Lake’s environment?
a) To convert the lake into a major tourist attraction
b) To introduce exotic fish species to increase biodiversity
c) To control flood, improve fishery, retain power generation and irrigation facilities, and improve the ecology of Keibul Lamjao National Park
d) To completely drain Loktak Lake for agricultural use
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Correct Answer: c) To control flood, improve fishery, retain power generation and irrigation facilities, and improve the ecology of Keibul Lamjao National Park
Explanation: The proposed management plans aim to address the adverse effects of the Ithai Barrage by controlling flooding in agricultural areas, improving natural fishery and fish production, retaining power generation and irrigation facilities from the lake, and improving the ecology of Keibul Lamjao National Park among other measures.
Q44. What has been the socio-economic impact of the Ithai Barrage on the local communities around Loktak Lake?
a) Significant improvement in living standards and income
b) Creation of numerous eco-tourism jobs
c) Unemployment to more than one lakh people and serious environmental problems
d) Increased agricultural productivity due to enhanced irrigation
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Correct Answer: c) Unemployment to more than one lakh people and serious environmental problems
Explanation: The construction of the Ithai Barrage has led to unemployment for more than one lakh people in and around Loktak Lake. This is due to the serious environmental problems caused by the barrage, affecting agriculture, fishery, and the overall socio-economic conditions of the local communities.
Q45. What is the current status of the proposed decommissioning of the Ithai Barrage?
a) It has been successfully decommissioned
b) The decision is now up to the authorities, with no new development reported
c) It has been turned into a tourist attraction
d) It is being expanded to increase power generation
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Correct Answer: b) The decision is now up to the authorities, with no new development reported
Explanation: As of the latest reports, any new development regarding the proposed decommissioning of the Ithai Barrage is yet to arrive. The decision on whether to decommission the barrage is now up to the authorities, highlighting the complexity of addressing the environmental and socio-economic issues associated with the project
Q46. How has the Ithai Barrage affected the traditional lifestyle and livelihoods of the Meiteis community around Loktak Lake?
a) It has enhanced their traditional fishing techniques
b) It has led to the permanent flooding of farmland and pastures, resulting in loss of livelihoods
c) It has increased the availability of water for agriculture
d) It has promoted the growth of eco-tourism, benefiting the community
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Correct Answer: b) It has led to the permanent flooding of farmland and pastures, resulting in loss of livelihoods
Explanation: The construction of the Ithai Barrage and the subsequent elevation of the water level in Loktak Lake have led to the permanent flooding of over 83,000 hectares of farmland and pastures. This has resulted in the loss of livelihoods for the Meiteis community, who have been dependent on the lake for their food and livelihood, severely impacting the wetland’s biodiversity and the community’s socio-economic conditions.
Q47. What role do phumdis play in the ecosystem of Loktak Lake?
a) They are primarily used for building tourist resorts
b) They serve as a natural habitat for the endangered Sangai deer
c) They are considered a nuisance and are regularly removed
d) They are harvested for use as biofuel
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Correct Answer: b) They serve as a natural habitat for the endangered Sangai deer
Explanation: Phumdis, the floating islands of biomass found in Loktak Lake, play a crucial role in the lake’s ecosystem. They serve as a natural habitat for the endangered Sangai deer, also known as the dancing deer. The unique ecological characteristics of phumdis are critical for the survival of this species and the overall biodiversity of the lake.
Q48. What are the major concerns associated with the proliferation of phumdis in Loktak Lake due to the Ithai Barrage?
a) They attract too many tourists, leading to overcrowding
b) They block the natural flushing mechanism of the lake, leading to environmental degradation
c) They are being harvested at an unsustainable rate
d) They have led to an increase in invasive plant species
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Correct Answer: b) They block the natural flushing mechanism of the lake, leading to environmental degradation
Explanation: The construction of the Ithai Barrage has blocked the natural flushing mechanism of Loktak Lake, leading to the enhanced sedimentation and proliferation of phumdis. This has resulted in environmental degradation, including a loss of water-holding capacity, decreased navigational benefits, and adverse impacts on the lake’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
Q49. What measures have been proposed or taken to address the environmental and socio-economic issues caused by the Ithai Barrage in Loktak Lake?
a) Complete removal of all phumdis from the lake
b) Conversion of the lake into an industrial area
c) Dialogue between local administrators, expert members, and inhabitants for management plans
d) Introduction of foreign species to boost fishery
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Correct Answer: c) Dialogue between local administrators, expert members, and inhabitants for management plans
Explanation: To address the environmental and socio-economic issues caused by the Ithai Barrage, it has been proposed that a dialogue between local administrators, expert members, and representatives of the inhabitants in and around the lake should take place. This collaborative approach aims to develop and implement management plans that can mitigate the adverse effects of the barrage on Loktak Lake and its surrounding communities.
Q50. What is the significance of Loktak Lake being designated as a Ramsar site?
a) It indicates the lake is suitable for industrial development
b) It recognizes the lake as a wetland of international importance, requiring conservation
c) It allows for unrestricted tourism and commercial activities
d) It designates the lake as a prime location for urban expansion
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Correct Answer: b) It recognizes the lake as a wetland of international importance, requiring conservation
Explanation: Loktak Lake being designated as a Ramsar site signifies its recognition as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This designation embodies a commitment to take necessary steps to ensure the conservation and wise use of the lake’s resources, highlighting its ecological, socio-economic, and cultural significance.