Located in Manipur, north-eastern India, and close to the town of Moirang is the remarkable Loktak (“stream end”) Lake. Covering between 250 km² and 500 km² in area (depending on the season), the lake is freshwater in nature and referred to as a “pulsating” lake after the way in which is surface area expands and contracts as a result of the region’s rainy / dry seasons.
What makes this lake particularly famous are the phumdi scattered across it. Looking like islands of various sizes, these Phumdi are in fact floating masses of vegetation, soil and organic matter in different stages of decay, ranging in size from the very small to the largest, which covers an area of 40 km². Located the south-east shore of the lake, this massive phumdi is the home of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and wildlife reserve.
The lake is a richly biodiverse body of water, with 57 species of waterbirds and another 14 species of wetland associated birds being recorded within its bounds and 425 species of animals, comprising 249 vertebrates (including the brow-antlered deer Cervus eldi eldi, or sangai, which had been thought to be extinct, and for which (in part) the Keibul Lamjao National Park was established).
Further, the lake is also home to 176 species invertebrates and some 233 species of aquatic macrophytes (vascular plants that have adapted to live in aquatic environments), whilst the annual fish yield from its waters is said to be 1,500 tonnes, with a variety of fish species introduced to the lake to assist with the natural capture fishing “industry” of the region. It is also a centre of hydropower generation and irrigation, water from it feeding into wetlands used for paddies, with water from the lake also used to provide drinking water for the nearby hamlets and towns.
The latter aspects of its use has all placed considerable pressure on the lake, another factor in it being designated a wetland of international importance. In particular, issues of over-irrigation and deforestation are an increasing theat. Also, given its location, the lake has become a destination for tourism, with two of the phumdi being largely devoted to tourist facilities, including the Sendra Tourist Home.
However, it is the lake as a beauty spot and home to local flora, fauna and natural living, which is celebrated in a build in Second Life. Designed by Iska (Sablina) on behalf of region holder Sominel Edelman (who also worked on the setting), Loktak Lake occupies a Full region, and showcases some of Som’s products in the form of the region surround and an upcoming new product, the Weather Dome.
In this, the surround beautifully encapsulates the region, with off-region elements continuing the theme of phumdi stretching out across the waters of the lake towards the distant hills, with the region itself offering two large islands and smaller phumdi awaiting exploration. A further layer of natural beauty has been added through the use of the Weather Dome and EEP settings which allow for not only a 24-hour day / night cycle, but also changing weather.
During one of my visits, for example, – the one in which the photos here were taken – the setting was in the middle of Manipur’s monsoon season; rain fell, the clouds roiled over heavy, and one felt the need to seek shelter within the huts and cabins.
From the landing point sitting towards the south-west of the region, it is possible to explore on foot. A bridge links two islands one to the other, one end of it forming the actual landing point and the southern end of the smaller, finger-like region. From here is it possible to descend stone steps and make one’s way around some of the phumdi, or follow the track around the larger island. Both offer their own attractions, from bars to houseboats to romantic-leaning retreats where time might be passed – so exploration is more than warranted.
In places, bridges connect to islands a little further afield whilst elsewhere a little wading might be required (I didn’t note any boats available for rowing / boat rezzers, but I may well have missed them). Throughout all of this are many more places to sit and appreciate the sitting and watch the local wildlife (including several SL breeds of deer representing the local sangai) and waterfowl.
With flora carefully chosen to fit with the climate of the region’s physical-world namesake, and with numerous details to be found throughout, Loktak Lake is a beautifully conceived and executed setting ideal for exploration, appreciation and photography.
Thoroughly recommended.
SLurl Details
- Loktak Lake (Landscapes Showcase, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 