Paper Title
THE ISSUES OF LOKTAK AND OTHER WETLANDS AND THEIR COVERAGE IN THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA OF MANIPUR

Abstract
Abstract - Media coverage of issues contributes in increasing public awareness and shaping public discourses by identifying problems and putting it before the public for debate or discussion leading to public participation in important decisions. As regards the Hydro Electric Power Project of Loktak Lake, there was lack of understanding about the environmental importance and significance of the Loktak Lake. Manipur had already lost several hundreds of wetlands. Loktaklake is facing serious ecological threats due to pollution, siltation and various developmental activities. So, it is incumbent to study the efforts of the media to save the Loktak Lake. Large scale siltation of 4.5 million tonnes of annual sediment inputs into the lake due to jhum cultivation, deforestation and unscientific land use in the catchment areas have seriously affected the Loktak Lake. Lakhs of people living in the vicinity of the lake depend on it for food, vegetables, fuel and fodder. It is the home of many flora and fauna. Key Words - DD Manipur, Impact TV, ISTV, KeibulLamjao National Park,Phoomdies, Sangai