he Only Floating National Park on Earth Is in India — And It’s Breathtaking: India is home to a staggering variety of landscapes — from the Himalayan glaciers to the Sundarbans mangrove swamps — but tucked away in the far northeast lies something truly one of a kind: Keibul Lamjao National Park. Located on the shimmering waters of Loktak Lake in Manipur, this park is not just rare; it’s the only floating national park in the world.
Where Water Meets Land — And Both Float
Keibul Lamjao sits on the southwestern reaches of Loktak Lake, spread over an area of about 40 square kilometers. What makes it “float” is a remarkable natural formation known locally as phumdis — thick, heterogeneous masses of soil, decomposing organic matter, and living vegetation that drift on the lake’s surface.
These phumdis are not small lily pads; some are meters thick and large enough to support grassland, shrubs, and even small trees. Over centuries, they’ve created a semi-solid ground that shifts with the seasons, expanding during the monsoons and settling during the dry months. This unusual phenomenon has given rise to a habitat unlike any other on Earth.
Home of the Dancing Deer
The ecological crown jewel of Keibul Lamjao is the Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), also known as the “dancing deer” of Manipur. With its delicately arched antlers and graceful gait, the Sangai moves with a unique, almost rhythmic step — a movement thought to be adapted for walking on the springy, unstable phumdis.
The Sangai is not only endemic to this park but also critically endangered, with numbers once dropping below 50 in the mid-20th century. Conservation efforts have since increased their population to around 260, but the species remains vulnerable. The deer holds deep cultural significance for the Meitei people of Manipur, featuring in local folklore as a symbol of balance between humans and nature.
A Ramsar Treasure
In 1990, Loktak Lake — along with Keibul Lamjao — was declared a Ramsar Site under the international convention for wetlands of global importance. This recognition wasn’t only for its scenic beauty but for the biodiversity it sustains.
The lake and park together host more than 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 species of birds, and more than 20 species of mammals. From migratory waterfowl that arrive in winter to rare species like the hog deer, otters, and fishing cats, the area is a living laboratory for wetland ecology.
The Science Behind a Floating Forest
Phumdis form through a slow but fascinating process. As vegetation dies and decays, it mixes with silt and organic matter in the shallow parts of the lake. Over time, these mats grow thicker, with living plants taking root on top. The lower layers absorb water while still holding a spongy structure, allowing the entire mass to drift yet remain partially anchored.
During the dry season, phumdis settle on the lakebed, absorbing nutrients from the soil. In the monsoon, they rise with the swelling waters, refreshed and ready to support wildlife. It’s an elegant natural cycle — one that is now under threat.
Challenges to Survival
Keibul Lamjao faces a delicate future. The Ithai Barrage, part of a hydroelectric project on the Manipur River, has altered the lake’s natural water flow, preventing phumdis from sinking during the dry season. This disrupts their nutrient cycle, causing them to thin and disintegrate.
Pollution from nearby settlements, invasive plant species, and increased fishing pressures add further strain. Human encroachment for agriculture and settlement is another looming problem. With the Sangai deer entirely dependent on the park, the degradation of phumdis could mean the loss of one of India’s most unique species.
Conservation Efforts
Authorities have taken several steps to protect Keibul Lamjao and its wildlife. The park was formally declared a national park in 1977, primarily to save the Sangai. Since then, initiatives have included:
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Phumdi restoration programs to manually thicken and stabilize the floating mats.
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Anti-poaching patrols to protect the Sangai from illegal hunting.
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Community awareness campaigns, engaging local fishermen and villagers in conservation.
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Research collaborations with universities to study hydrology, vegetation dynamics, and species behavior.
Tourism is also being promoted in a controlled, eco-sensitive manner. Visitors can take boat rides through Loktak Lake, spotting the Sangai from elevated watchtowers, and experiencing the surreal sensation of walking on spongy ground that shifts ever so slightly underfoot.
Why It Matters Globally
Keibul Lamjao is not just a curiosity for India; it is a globally significant ecosystem. Floating meadows exist in a few parts of the world, but none have evolved to the scale and complexity of this park. It serves as a case study in how unique habitats arise from specific geographic and hydrological conditions — and how human activity can quickly destabilize them.
In an era where wetland loss is accelerating worldwide, Keibul Lamjao stands as a reminder that preserving biodiversity often means protecting the processes, not just the species. Without healthy phumdis, the Sangai cannot survive; without a functioning lake ecosystem, the phumdis themselves will vanish.
A Living Symbol of Balance
For the people of Manipur, the Sangai deer is more than a rare animal — it is a symbol of harmony between humans and the land. According to local legend, if the Sangai disappears, it will signal the breaking of a bond between nature and humanity.
Keibul Lamjao National Park is, in many ways, a physical embodiment of this philosophy: a place where water and earth, plant and animal, tradition and modernity, all exist in a delicate balance. Protecting it is not only a duty to wildlife but a cultural responsibility — one that carries lessons for conservationists everywhere.
If you ever find yourself in Manipur, standing on a watchtower overlooking the shimmering expanse of Loktak Lake, you may spot the antlers of a Sangai moving gently through the tall grasses. In that moment, you’ll be witnessing not just an animal in its habitat, but a rare and beautiful chapter in the story of our planet’s natural heritage — a chapter that we must ensure continues to float.
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