Loktak Lake in the north-eastern state of Manipur is a wonderful freshwater reservoir, known for its perfectly circular floating islands called phumdis. Phumdis, which are clusters of vegetation, soil and organic matter, create an incredibly unique landscape that can be seen from outer space. Referred to as the “floating lake” of India, Loktak Lake houses Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. Apart from its uniqueness, the lake is also home to some rare species of wildlife, such as the King Cobra, which is considered to be one of the longest venomous snakes in the world.
The mystery behind the floating islands of Loktak Lake
There is no other lake in India like Loktak Lake. Spread over an area of approximately 287 square kilometres, the lake has naturally occurring floating islands known as phumdis, which are made up of decomposed vegetation, roots and organic matter that eventually clump together.According to TERI experts, what makes phumdis special is their ability to float on the surface of the lake, as well as being strong enough to be used as human settlements, fishing huts and even as animal habitats. In the dry season, parts of the floating islands sink to the bottom of the lake to absorb nutrients and rise when there is more water.In a study conducted by UNESCO, it was established that the lake is globally recognized as a nutrient reservoir due to its hydrological and ecological importance. The study referred to Phumadis as “a heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter in various stages of decomposition.”Scientists have been studying the formation and movements of spherical floating islands for decades. Their constant movement inspires them to create a changing landscape.
The world’s only floating national park
Keibul Lamjao National Park is found in Loktak Lake, and is the only national park in the world that floats. It is found in floating islands and is home to the endangered Sangai deer, commonly known as the brow-antlered deer.According to the description provided by the Manipur Forest Department, Keibul Lamjao National Park is a “globally unique wetland ecosystem”. These floating meadows act as habitat for migratory birds, reptiles and aquatic animals in the lake.It has been warned by scientists that hydrological changes as well as climatic factors pose a threat to the phumdi ecosystem, because, if the floating masses become too thin, the animals living in them could be endangered.There have been several appeals by conservationists such as Wetlands International South Asia to permanently preserve the ecosystem in the lake.
Loktak Lake and King Cobra Connection
One of the most interesting creatures found in the wetlands near Loktak Lake is the King Cobra, whose scientific name is Ophiophagus Hanna. King cobras live in forest and wetland habitats in India and some areas of south-east Asia.The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world and can grow up to 5.6 meters long. According to the Center of Advanced Study in Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, some individuals grow up to 18 feet tall. Thus, it is considered one of the longest snakes in the world.Although the king cobra is scary, it is not aggressive and generally avoids contact with humans. King cobras are very important as hunters because they control the populations of other snakes.The wetlands and dense vegetation surrounding Loktak Lake serve as an ideal shelter for reptiles, amphibians and aquatic animals, thus making it one of the most biodiverse places in India.Loktak Lake is one of the most amazing natural wonders of India today because of the floating islands across the lake and the ancient animals that live beneath the hills of Manipur.