The northeastern state of Manipur contains the stunning freshwater Loktak Lake, known for its perfectly circular floating islands called phumdis. Phomids, which are clumps of plants, soil and organic matter, form an incredibly unique landscape that can be seen from outer space.
Loktak Lake, referred to as the “floating lake” in India, contains Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. In addition to its uniqueness, the lake hosts some rare species of wildlife, such as the king cobra, which is considered one of the longest venomous snakes in the world.
The mystery behind the floating islands in Loktak Lake
There is no other lake in India like Loktak Lake. The lake has an area of about 287 square kilometres, and contains natural floating islands known as fumides, which are made up of plants, roots and decaying organic matter that eventually accumulate together.According to experts from TERI, what makes phomides special is their ability to float on the surface of the lake while being strong enough to be used as human settlements, fishing huts and even animal habitats. In dry seasons, certain parts of the floating islands sink to the bottom of the lake to absorb nutrients, and rise to the top once more water is available.In a study conducted by UNESCO, it was proven that the lake is recognized as a global nutrient due to its hydrological and ecological importance.
The study referred to phomides as a “heterogeneous mass of plants, soil and organic matter in various stages of decomposition.”Scientists have been studying the formation and movements of circular floating islands for decades. Their constant movement makes them form a changing landscape.
The only floating national park in the world
Located in Loktak Lake, Kebul Lamjao National Park is the only national park in the world that is floating.
They are found on the floating islands and are home to the endangered Sangai deer, commonly known as brow-horned deer.According to the description given by the Manipur Forest Department, Kebul Lamjao National Park is a “globally unique wetland ecosystem”. These floating grasslands serve as a habitat for migratory birds, reptiles and aquatic animals in the lake.Scientists have warned that hydrological changes as well as climatic factors pose a threat to the fumidi ecosystem, because if the floating blocks become too thin, the animals living in them could be at risk.There have been many calls by environmentalists, such as Wetlands International South Asia, to sustainably conserve the lake’s ecosystem.
Loktak Lake and King Cobra Connection
Among the most interesting creatures found in the wetlands near Loktak Lake is the king cobra, whose scientific name is Ophiophagus hannah. The king cobra lives in forest and wetland habitats in certain regions of India and Southeast Asia.The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world and can reach up to 5.6 meters in length. Some individuals reach lengths of up to 18 feet, according to the Center for Advanced Study in Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University. Thus, it is considered one of the longest snakes in the world.Although king cobras are fearsome, they are not aggressive and usually avoid contact with humans. King cobras are very important as predators because they control the populations of other snakes.The wetlands and dense vegetation around Loktak Lake serve as an ideal shelter for reptiles, amphibians and aquatic animals and hence it is one of the most biodiverse places in India.Loktak Lake is one of the most amazing natural wonders in India today, with floating islands moving across the lake and ancient animals living under the hills of Manipur.
