Ecosystem Services, Threat and Dynamics of Phumdis: Comprehensive Study on Loktak Caldera Lake, Manipur through Remote Sensing and Ground Visit

Phumdis, a distinctive geomorphic-hydrologic-pedogenic landform at Loktak Lake, is a vital interface zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These spherical landforms, flooded and saturated with water throughout the year Phumdis consist of a body of soil, vegetation, and organic material floating on the surface of a lake. Loktak Lake and Phumdis offer essential ecosystem services for preserving the environment and facilitating human activities. These services include water filtration, ecosystem productivity, flood regulation, and habitats for various species, all of which are crucial for the region’s sustainability. The present study is associated with the ecosystem services of Loktak Lake and Phumdis. Its research objectives also include assessing the threat and dynamics of Phumdis. The study has been done through mapping in geospatial techniques, and intensive field study. The Phumdis support the natural ecosystem and are sometimes used for agricultural activities. However, changes in hydrology caused by climate change and intensive human activities are leading to the decline of the Phumdis. This threatens the ecosystem and habitat of the Sangai deer seriously. Human encroachment and development processes, coupled with alterations in the lake area, also endanger the natural habitat and biodiversity of the lake. Loktak Lake is an important ecological resource with distinct floating islands, rich biodiversity, and central significance to livelihood and culture at the local level. However, it faces many environmental issues that require collective conservation efforts to maintain its ecological balance.