Manipur to Resume Remote-Area Helicopter Services, Grants Loktak Day State Festival Status

The Manipur government has approved the restoration of helicopter services connecting remote and hill areas with Imphal and declared Loktak Day an annual state festival, in two decisions aimed at improving access to essential services and promoting the state’s ecological and cultural heritage.

The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on October 22. The helicopter services, suspended since October 1, 2026, will be restored through Pawan Hans Limited, with a twin-engine helicopter proposed to operate for six months or until a regular operator is selected through a tender process. The arrangement provides for a minimum of 40 flying hours per month.

The service is expected to facilitate passenger movement and medical emergencies in geographically isolated areas. Expenses will be shared with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under its helicopter subsidy scheme for northeastern states. The state government has pledged to bear the expenditure if central assistance is unavailable, ensuring continuity of operations. The scheme supports connectivity in seven northeastern states and provides subsidies based on eligible operating costs, subject to its provisions.

Reliable helicopter services could reduce travel difficulties for communities facing challenging terrain and limited road connectivity. However, actual benefits will depend on regular schedules, affordable fares and operational availability.

In a separate decision, the Cabinet declared Loktak Day a state festival, to be celebrated annually on the full-moon day of Mera, a traditional Manipuri month that generally falls in October. This year’s celebrations will begin on October 26 at Loktak Lairembi Ground in Thanga and at Komlakhong. The Loktak Development Authority, in collaboration with local clubs, will organise the events. The community tradition began in 1990 at Thanga.

Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on March 23, 1990. It supports fishing communities, irrigation, water resources and biodiversity. Its distinctive floating vegetation masses, known as phumdis, sustain the ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and habitat of the endangered Sangai deer.

The lake faces environmental pressures, including pollution, water hyacinth, siltation and changes associated with the Ithai Barrage, commissioned in 1983. Added to the Montreux Record in 1993, Loktak remains a conservation priority. State festival status could strengthen public awareness, but sustained ecological protection and community participation will be essential to safeguard the lake and its dependent livelihoods.