CONTENTS

PAGE NO.
CERTIFICATE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
FIELD IMPRESSION iii
FIELD DIARY iv-v
GROUP PHOTO vi
SENDRA MAP vii
CONTENTS viii

CHAPTER I Introduction 1
Tourism Anthropology

CHAPTER II Overview of “SENDRA MOIRAN 2-3

Introduction
Significance of Sendra

CHAPTER III Methodology and Ojectives 4-5

CHAPTER IV Result and Discussion 6-18

Part A: About the Fish Vendor
Part B: About the Food Stalls And
Hotels
Part C: About the Boating Service
Part D: About the Parking System

CHAPTER V Conclusion 19

Bibliography 20

viii
 DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY
DHANAMANJURI COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

DHANAMANJURI UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL

To whom it may concern

This is to certify that ……………………………………………..is a bonafide student

of B. Sc. 3rdSemester (Honours) of the Department of Anthropology, D.M. College of Science
under Dhanamanjuri University bearing Examination Roll No. ……………………….,
Registration Number …………………….………….., has successfully participated in the field
visit at Sendra, Moirang, Manipur, conducted by the Department of Anthropology,
Dhanamanjuri College of Science, Dhanamanjuri University for Tourism Anthropology paper,
SAN-006 in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the B. Sc. 3rd Semester in Anthropology,
2025.

This report is genuine work and has not been submitted in any educational institutions.

(Dr. Maringmei Philip) (Dr. L. Ibohal Meitei) (Dr. Ng. Pungfa Singh)
Teacher-in-charge Teacher-in-charge Head of The Department(UG)
Department of Anthropology Department of Anthropology Department of Anthropology
D.M. College of Science D.M. College of Science D.M. College of Science
Dhanamanjuri University Dhanamanjuri University Dhanamanjuri University

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our Head
of Department Dr. Ng. Pungfa Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology,
Dhanamanjuri College of Science, Dhanamanjuri University for providing us an opportunity to
visit at Sendra, Moirang of Manipur in connection with our Tourism Anthropology Paper,
SAN-006. I also thank our classmates for their kind cooperation and helps to me during the
field visit.

Further, I extend my sincere and profound gratitude to our teacher-in-charge Dr. Maringmei
Philip and Dr. L. Ibohal Meitei, Asst. Professor, Department of Anthropology, Dhanamanjuri
College of Science, Dhanamanjuri University for their strict supervision and guidance during
the course of our field visit. Form the knowledge and suggestion imparted by them, we were
able to complete our field report in time.

ii
 FIELD IMPRESSION

Date: 8th November 2025

Place: Sendra, Moirang.
Time: 11:00 AM
Accompanied By: Teachers, classmates of Anthropology Department, D.M. College of Science, DMU

Our visit to Sendra was a vivid and impactful experience that highlighted the relationship between
tourism, local habitation, and the ecology of Loktak Lake. Upon our approach to Sendra, we knew we
were in for a reflective & anthropological experience upon seeing the floating phumdis, the dispersed
fishing huts, and the rippling motion of the lake. It was not just a picturesque tourist location, but also a
living example of the interplay of ecology and culture.

Throughout our visit to Sendra, we could observe the heavy reliance of the surrounding communities on
the lake for fishing, agriculture, and income from tourism. The food stalls and small shops that lined the
approach to our viewpoint demonstrated the collaborative relationship between tourism and the local
livelihoods. The presence of home-stays and eco-tourism showcases also indicated that there was
emerging awareness of sustainable development.

However, Sendra has its challenges too, and although it was charming, we learned that the increasing
density of tourists to the area was beginning to disrupt the ecological integrity. Plastic rubbish, noise,
and unregulated traverse along the lake's edge all presented visible pressures. The local people
expressed their concern about declining fish populations and the ever-shrinking phumdis, which
reminded us that if tourism is not responsibly managed, it is a risky future for local ecology.

iii
 FIELD DIARY

Field Trip to Sendra, Manipur (Tourism Anthropology)

Date: 8th November 2025

Accompanied by: Teachers, classmates of Anthropology Department, D.M. College of Science,DMU

11:00 AM – Arrival at Sendra

We reached Sendra at around 11:00 AM. The place felt lively with tourists walking around, small stalls
on the roadside, and groups of people taking photos. Our teachers gathered us and explained that the
main purpose of the trip was to observe tourism activities, understand how local services work, and see
how different groups of people interact within a tourist space.
Before starting, our teachers divided us into four groups, each assigned with a specific task:

Group A – Fish Vendor Study

Group B – Eatable Stalls and Local Food Sellers
Group C – Boating Service Observation
Group D – Parking Lot and Visitor Movement Study

Everyone got excited because we were going to explore different parts of the area on our own and
moved to our assigned area with pens and notebooks.

11:20 AM – Group Tasks Begin

Group A (Fish Vendors)

They interacted with local fish sellers who explained how the lake provides daily livelihood. Students
noted how fish prices vary, how tourists influence sales, and how traditional fishing continues despite
environmental challenges.

Group B (Eatables/Stalls)
This group observed tea stalls, snack sellers, and local eateries. They interviewed vendors about how
tourism increases income but also brings waste problems. The smell of hot pakoras and chai filled the
air.

Group C (Boating Area)

Students here watched tourists lining up for boat rides. They studied how boating services operate, how
safety measures are followed, and how boating affects the lake ecosystem.

Group D (Parking Area)

This group recorded the flow of vehicles, parking management, tourist arrivals, and how the area
supports the overall tourism system at Sendra.

Our teachers moved from group to group, guiding us, asking questions, and helping us observe details
we might have missed. iv
12:30 PM – Lunch Break with Friends

By 12:30 PM, everyone regrouped at the viewpoint. All of us had brought our own lunch, packed from
home. We spread our mats and sat together under a shaded area overlooking Loktak Lake. Eating home-
cooked meals with our friends, sharing food, laughing, and enjoying the view made this moment
memorable. It felt like a picnic mixed with learning.

Our teachers also joined nearby, watching us with smiles, making sure we had enough time to relax and
enjoy the environment.

1:15 PM – Final Round of Observation

After lunch, we took a final round of the area. Some groups completed their interviews, while others
took photographs, wrote notes, and observed tourist behavior. Our teachers then gathered us for a short
reflection session where each group shared their findings. Listening to each other helped us understand
tourism from different angles—vendors, visitors, service providers, and local workers.

2:00 PM – Trip to Keibul Lamjao National Park (Sangai Habitat)

Around 2:00 PM, our teachers surprised us by saying we would also visit Keibul Lamjao National Park,
the only floating national park in the world and home to the Sangai deer. The drive was filled with
excitement as we imagined spotting the graceful animal.
We reached the viewing tower and scanned the phumdis with great hope. Unfortunately, it was the quiet
time of the day—the Sangai were resting deep inside the floating grass, and we couldn’t see any.
Though we were a little disappointed, the experience was still special. Standing there, looking at the
vast park, made us appreciate the efforts taken to protect the endangered Sangai.

We truly felt grateful to our teachers for bringing us there. Even without seeing the deer, the opportunity
to visit such an important ecological site made our field trip complete and meaningful.

Conclusion of the Day

The visit to Sendra and Keibul Lamjao taught us more than any classroom lesson. We learned about:

* The deep connection between people and Loktak Lake.

* How tourism shapes local culture and livelihood.
* Environmental challenges faced by the lake.
*The importance of sustainable tourism.
*The value of preserving unique species like the Sangai.
We returned home tired but extremely happy, carrying not just notes for our field report but memories
we will always cherish.

v
 CHAPTER 1

TOURISM ANTHROPOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Tourism anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that examines tourism as a cultural

phenomenon, analyzing how travel and tourist practices affects both host communities and
visitors. This discipline investigates the production and consumption of cultural experiences,
focusing on issues such as commodification, authenticity, and power dynamics. For instance,
scholars like Smith (1989) have explored how local traditions are packaged and presented to
tourists, often transforming cultural practices into consumable products. Similarly, MacCannell
(1976) discusses the constructed nature of authenticity in tourism, where both hosts and tourists
negotiate the “real” versus the “staged” aspects of cultural encounters.

The field also examines the economic implications of local communities Bruner (2005)
illustrates how tourism can lead to economic development while simultaneously altering social
structures and cultural identities. Research by Stronza (2001) further emphasizes the need for
sustainable and ecologically sensitive tourism practices, advocating for approaches that balance
economic benefits with cultural preservation and environmental protection.

Moreover, tourism anthropology critically assesses the role of power and inequality in tourism.
Chambers (2010) highlights how tourism can reinforce social hierarchies and lead to cultural
homogenization, prompting calls for more ethical and participatory tourism practices that
respect the agency of local communities.
 CHAPTER 2

Overview of “SENDRA, MOIRANG”

INTRODUCTION

Field trips are an important component of anthropological learning because they provide
students to directly involve with real-life cultural, social, and environmental settings. As part of
the anthropology tourism study, a field visit was undertaken to Sendra, located in Moirang,
within the scenic landscape of Loktak Lake, Manipur. Sendra is ne if the state’s most
significant tourism destinations, well-known for its panoramic views, floating phumdis, home-
stays, boating activities, and its deep cultural association with local communities living around
the lake.

The field trip aimed to understand how tourism develops around natural and cultural resources,
and how the local population participates in and is impacted by tourism. Sendra provides an
ideal setting to study the connection between environment, livelihood, and visitor engagement.

An important part of the fieldwork involved interviewing local stall owners or vendors or small
scale sellers, who play a key role in the tourism experience. Through these interactions,
students gathered information on local economic activities, traditional food and handicrafts,
tourist preferences, seasonal income patterns, challenges faced by the vendor, and the role of
tourism in supporting community livelihoods. These conversations provided valuable
anthropological insights into how tourism influences social relationships, cultural expressions,
and economic opportunities in Sendra.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SENDRA

1. Environmental and Ecological Significance

Sendra holds great environmental value because it lies within the unique ecosystem of Loktak
Lake, known for its floating phumdis, rich freshwater biodiversity, and the nearby Keibul
Lamjao National Park. Understanding this area helps students see how people depend on
natural resources for fishing, agriculture, and daily life. It also exposes then to the ecological
challenges faced by the lake, such as pollution, shrinkng phumdis, and the impact of the
tourism on fragile wetlands.

2. Cultural and Social Significance

The region holds strong ties to Meitei culture, terms of folklore, and cultural identity and way
of life of lake-dwelling communities. Seeing fishers, the use of phumdis, local food and
products, and traditional handcrafts gives students a framework to understand culture as lived
and experienced in everyday life. Sendra becomes a vibrant classroom that shows students how
heritage, culture, beliefs, and relationships shape social experience.

3. Economic and Tourism Significance.

Tourism is a major source of revenue in Sendra. Home-stays, boat services, food stalls, and
sellers depend on tourists. Talking to vendors and stall managers gives students insight into one
aspect of how tourism provides employment, the challenges that come with being a local
entrepreneur, and how income is directed tied to the seasonality of visitors. This helps students
understand the evolution of tourism development, economic development, and those impacts
on lifestyle.

4. Academic and Student Learning Significance.

For students in anthropology, Sendra provides a contextual field experience. Students have the
opportunity to practice basic anthropological skills: interviewing, observation, note-taking, and
recording the human-environment relationship. Students engage with local vendors, residents,
and tourism workers, learning valuable lessons about how tourism will influence great aspects
of culture, the environment, and the society. The fieldtrip also has students thinking about the
viability of tourism and community development that takes into consideration a need for
sustainability.
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY AND OBJECTIVE

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

In order to explore the above cited objectives, data collection tools and techniques such as
Interviews, Non-participant and photography methods are employed. We, the students of the
rd
[Link] 3 Semester(Honours) of the department of anthropology, D.M. College of Science,
th
DMU, Imphal visited Sendra, moirang on Saturday, 8 November 2025 to assess the tourist
site and the people involved in the site. We assembled at 11:00 am and the students of our
semester were divided into four sub-groups according to their exam roll no. by the teacher- in-
charges as Group-A, Group-B, Group-C, Group-D. There were allotted specific areas for the
data collection. The following list are the distinct areas where we have visited and interacted
through interview:

1. Fish Vendor

2. Eatable Stalls And Local Food Sellers

3. Boating Service

4. Parking Lots

The interview includes the following types of question,

i. How many people work here, including family members and hired staff?
ii. How long have you been operating, and has the number of the employees changed
over time?
iii. What are their main sources of income (e.g. stall sales, boating fees etc.)?
iv. What types of tourists visit most often (e.g. domestic, international, or both)?
v. What measures do you take to protect the environment (e.g. waste management,
reducing plastic uses)?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To examine the tourism potential of Sendra and the surrounding Loktak Lake regions-
focusing on its natural landscape, cultural features and visitor attractions.

2. To understand how local communities engage with tourism- especially in terms of

livelihood activities.

3. To study the role of stall owners, vendors and small-scale sellers in the tourism
economy- gathering insights through interviews about their experiences, challenges,
and the benefits from the tourist activity.

4. To explore the socio- economic impacts of tourism- developing on the residents of

Sendra including income generation, employment, and the changes in lifestyle.
 CHAPTER 4
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This Chapter represents the findings of the filed visit to Sendra, Moirang focusing on the
information that we collect using the data collection methodology which includes:
Part A: About the Fish Vendor
Part B: About the Food Stalls And Hotel
Part C: About the Boating Service
Part D: About the Parking System

Our field visit to Sendra, Moirang, offered a clear understanding of how tourism shapes the
everyday livelihood patterns of the local community. The area hosts a variety of small
economic activities—food stalls, hotels, fish vendors, cooperatives, and basic services like
parking—all of which depend strongly on visitor flow. The food stalls and hotels operate at
different scales, yet most are run full-time with family support, reflecting how tourism creates
household-level employment. Their incomes range widely, from Rs.500 to Rs.10,000 for small
stalls and up to Rs.1 lakh for larger setups like bakery stalls, while hotels earn about Rs.500
–Rs.1,000 daily, with higher sales during tourist seasons.

The seven fish vendors we observed also showed long-term attachment to the place, with some
working since the early 1990s. Their earnings rise from Rs.3,000–Rs.20,000 in normal months
to Rs.10,000–Rs.30,000 during peak seasons, indicating strong seasonal dependence. A
cooperative model in the area further highlights collective resilience, offering workers
Rs.10,000–Rs.15,000 during peak periods and Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 off-season.

Even basic services like parking are organized, with a free and well-maintained area on the
down-land side and another managed by Sangai Café. Overall, Sendra’s livelihoods are
interconnected and shaped by tourism’s seasonal rhythm.
 PART A
About The Fish Vendors

During the field visit, several local fish vendors were identified around Sendra. The following
table provides an information of the vendors,

DATA TABLE FOR FISH VENDOR:

SL OWNER NAME JOB CREATION INCOME TYPES OF TOURISTS

NO GENERATION
1 Moirangthem Nungshi Part time job, Average daily profit =600 Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(60Yrs) Mainly manage by the owner international and national tourists
(2005- present) alone. Profit during peak season: from outside the
30k State.
During peak season:- Help by Tax :300/Month
family members.
2 Amita Oinam Full time job, Average monthly profit=12 Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(30Yrs) Mainly manage by the owner -15k international and national tourists
(2005-present) alone. from outside the
Profit during peak season: State.
During peak season:- Help by 25-28k
family members Tax :300/Month
3 Indubala Pukhrambam Part time job, Average monthly profit=3- Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(43Yrs) Mainly manage by the owner 4k international and national tourists
(March2025-Present) alone. from outside the
Profit during peak season: State.
During peak season:- Help 10-12k
family members Tax :300/Month
4 Laishram Memi Full time job, Average month profit=4-5k Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(45Yrs) Mainly manage by the owner international and national tourists
(2008-present) alone. During peak season: 10k from outside the
Tax :300/Month State.
During peak season:- Help by
family members.
5 Biteshori Full time job, Average monthly profit=5- Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(48Yrs) Mainly manage by the owner 6k international and national tourists
(2007-present) alone. from outside the
Profit during peak season: State.
During peak season:- Help by 15-17k
family members. Tax :300/Month
6 Ibeyaima Full time job, Average Monthly profit=5- Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(50Yrs) Manage by the owner alone. 7k international and national tourists
(1994-Present) Profit during peak season: from outside the
10-12k State.
7 Moirangthem Memi Full time job, Average monthly profit=10 Mainly domestic. Sometimes
(48yrs) Mainly manage by the owner -20k international and national tourists
(2015-Present) alone. from outside the
State.
During peak season:- Help by
family members
From the table given above, we get a clear picture of the everyday realities of the seven fish vendors
working in the Sendra tourist area. The data helps us understand not just their income patterns but also
the human side of their livelihood. Most of these vendors have been running their stalls for many years,
some even since the early 1990s, which shows their long-term connection to the place. Out of the seven,
four work full-time while the remaining three manage their stalls part-time, depending on personal
convenience and tourist flow.

Their income levels show noticeable variation. In normal months, vendors earn between Rs.3,000 and
Rs.20,000, but during the peak tourism season, their profits rise significantly to Rs.10,000–Rs.30,000.
This clearly shows that tourism plays a major role in boosting their earnings, even though it is seasonal
and sometimes unstable. All vendors pay the same monthly tax of Rs.300, indicating a standard local
fee system.

The table also shows that most of their customers are domestic tourists—mainly local and regional
visitors—while visitors from other states or abroad come only occasionally. Overall, the data reveals
that fish vending in Sendra is a small but steady livelihood that grows stronger during the tourist season
and is often supported by family members during busy days.

PART B
About The Food Stalls And Hotels

In the addition to Fish vendors, a number of food stalls and hotels were observed in the area.
This section presents their details and highlights how they contribute to tourism and hospitality
services at Sendra.
The below data table provides the information of the eatable stalls:
 DATA TABLE FOR FOOD STALLS & HOTELS:

Sl STALL/NAME JOB CREATION INCOME TYPES OF

no. GENERATION TOURISTS
1 ABEM Full-time, Earns 500–10k depending Both domestic
(Edible, vegetables) children help on season (more in and
sometimes, 14– summer and less in international;
15 yrs experience winter), saves some, most visitors
income just look, few
sufficiency varies purchase
2 MEMMA Same as stall 1 Same as stall 1 Same as stall 1
(Edible, vegetables)

3 SAMJAI Full-time, solo, started Earns 500–6k+ depending Both domestic and
(ice-cream) March 2025 on season (more in international; visitor
summer and less in drop after war
winter), sufficiency
varies, seasonal

4 MEMTHOI Full-time, children help Earns 1-3k when visitor Both domestic and
(Edible, vegetables) sometimes, 5yrs comes, and international; most
experience earns 300+ when of
there is less visitors them do not
purchase.
5 CH. Full-time, have 3 people Earns around 1lakh per Both domestic and
INAKHUNBI working under her month, given salary 3k- international
(Bakery Items and dry fruits) 6k, income sufficieny
varies (30%)

6 ECHATOMBIGI HOTEL Full time job: 2 family Avg daily profit: Mainly domestic.
(2021-present) Item: Singju, members, 1 hired 500-600 Sometimes
bora, kanghou, chou, etc Peak season: 4-5 hired Profit during peak season: international and
2k-3k national tourists from
Expenses: 1k-2k outside the state

7 PERMI-HOTEL Full-time job, Avg daily profit: Domestic

(2021-present) 2 workers 1k
(items) (cooks) During peak Profit during peak season:
Item: Sinju, bora, ngaatouba, etc seaon: 2k-3k
2 hired Expenses: 1k1.5k
8 GULAI HOTEL Full time jog, Avg daily profit: 500, Domestic and from
(Jan 2025- present) Item: Workers: 3 income reliable and outside the state
tharoitongba, khajing bora, etc sufficient

9 ENAKHUNBI HOTEL Full time job mainly the Avg daily profit: 1k Mainly
(2023-present) Item: owner works, Helpers: max, min- no profit Domestic
momo,tharoitongba, khajing 3 daughters time to Profit during peak
bora, chou, cha, etc time season: 2k
Expenses: 1k1.5k
10 IMA HOTEL Full time job: daily profit: 1k max, Mainly domestic,
(2021present) Item: Chou, 2 workers, During peak Average: 1k sometimes
khanjinf bora, bora, etc season: 1 international
hired

11 ABEM FOOD Works with family Monthly income: 20k Both Domestic and
stall Item: beverages, members internatinal
snacks

12 MEMO HOTEL Has few workers Monthly income, peak Domestic

Item: tan, cha, egg seaon: 1k-1.5k

13 CHANDRANGANBI Workers: 2 Monthly income: 10k Domestic

STALL
Item: sundried fish, heikak,
heijukak, peanut

14 MEMTOMBI Self-work Daily profit: 2- Domestic

Vendor 3k
Item: heikak, badam, etc

From the table given above, we can clearly understand the diverse livelihood patterns of the food stalls
and hotels operating in the area. Each stall and hotel shows a different scale of work, yet all share a
common dependence on tourism for their daily income. Most of the stalls—whether selling vegetables,
snacks, ice cream, or local edible items—are managed full-time, often with the help of family members
or hired workers during busy seasons. This reflects how these small businesses contribute to household-
level job creation.

Their income varies widely. Smaller stalls earn between Rs.500 and Rs.10,000 depending on the season,
with summer bringing the highest sales and winter being comparatively slow. Some vendors, like the
bakery stall, earn significantly higher profits—around Rs.1 lakh per month—while hotels generally earn
Rs.500 to Rs.1,000 daily and experience a boost during peak seasons. Expenses also rise during busy
periods, especially for hotels that hire additional workers.

Regarding tourist interactions, most stalls and hotels serve mainly domestic visitors. International and
out-of-state tourists do come, but in smaller numbers, and many of them browse without purchasing.
Overall, the table shows that these food stalls and hotels depend strongly on seasonal tourism, family
participation, and variable visitor turnout for sustaining their livelihoods.

PART C
About The Boating Services

INTRODUCTION: The Interface of Tourism and Local Life

Loktak Lake is not merely a scenic destination but a cultural and economic landscape. The
boating services form a critical interface where the traditional world of the lake community
meets the modern tourism economy. An anthropological examination of this sector reveals a
structured, adaptive system designed to navigate the dual challenges of environmental
seasonality and tourist influx. This report uses data on workforce, assets, and income to
understand the social organization of tourism at Loktak.

1. Social Organization and Labor Structure

The Cooperative maintains a clearly defined social hierarchy and division of labor, essential for
smooth operation. The workforce is categorized as follows:
Boat Operators (30 workers): This is the largest and most visible group, forming the backbone
of the service. They are the direct cultural brokers, interacting with tourists and performing the
primary service.
Canal & Tax Handlers (6 workers): This role likely involves managing access to specific
channels through the phumdis, collecting fees, or handling logistics. It indicates a formalized
system for navigating and regulating the lake’s unique geography.
Merchants/Technicians (2 workers each): This small but crucial group represents specialization.
The Technicians are responsible for maintaining the fleet, ensuring safety and operational
continuity. Their presence signifies the transition from purely traditional fishing boats to a
maintained tourist fleet.
Headquarters (2 workers): This group represents management, overseeing strategy, finances,
and overall coordination. They are the planners and administrators of this micro-economy.
This structure demonstrates a move from an informal, individualistic operation (common in
early-stage tourism) to a more formalized cooperative model, which allows for better resource
distribution and resilience.

2. Material Culture and Technological Adaptation :

The boat fleet is a key material artifact of this tourism system. The variety of boat sizes reflects
a strategic adaptation to market demand:

• Smaller Boats (6 & 12 passenger): Ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a
private, intimate experience on the lake.
• Larger Boats (16 & 27 passenger): Cater to larger tourist groups, pilgrimages, or budget-
conscious travelers who can share a ride. The presence of 27-passenger boats indicates an
infrastructure capable of handling significant volume.

This diversified fleet shows an understanding of different tourist segments and a pragmatic
approach to maximizing capacity and choice.

3. Economic Rhythms and Seasonal Adaptation:

The economic life of the community is profoundly dictated by the seasonal ebb and flow of
tourists, creating a binary year of “peak” and “off-peak” seasons.

Peak Season Economy: Revenues soar to approximately Rs.4.5 lakhs per month. This period,
likely corresponding to dry, pleasant months (October-March) and festive holidays, is the
community's primary earning window.

Off-Peak Season Economy: Revenues drop sharply to around Rs.1.5 lakhs per month. This
reflects the challenges of the monsoon and summer heat, which deter visitors.
This seasonal disparity creates a “feast or famine” dynamic, a common characteristic of tourism
-dependent economies in climatically sensitive regions.

4. Income Distribution and Social Resilience

The Cooperative has developed a mechanism to buffer against seasonal volatility through a
revenue-linked salary system.
Peak Season Salaries: Rs.10,000 – Rs.15,000. This income level provides a significant boost to
household economies, allowing for savings, debt repayment, and major purchases.
Off-Peak Salaries: Rs.6,000 – Rs.7,000. This represents a subsistence-level income, enough to
sustain families through the lean period.
The document notes that ”the income generated is sufficient and reliable,” suggesting that this
model, while presenting fluctuations, is perceived as a stable and vital improvement over more
precarious livelihoods like subsistence fishing alone. The system fosters a sense of collective
resilience, as everyone’s income is tied to the collective success of the operation.
 5. Conclusion: An Integrated Socio-Economic Niche

The boating tourism sector at Loktak Lake is not an isolated activity but a deeply integrated
socio-economic niche. It has developed:

A formalized social structurewith clear role for labor to management.

From an anthropological perspective, this cooperative model represents a strategic indigenous
response to globalization and tourism. It has allowed the local community to harness the economic
potential of their natural and cultural heritage (the lake and the phumdis) while maintaining a
degree of control over its operation. The boating service is more than a ride; it is a vital social
institution that shapes daily routines, economic cycles, and the very identity of the community
interacting with the wider world.

• Appendix: Summary of Data :

• Workforce:30 Boat Operators, 6 Canal/Tax Handlers, 2 Merchants, 2
Technicians, 2 Headquarters Staff.
• Fleet:6-Pax (x6), 12-Pax (x6), 16-Pax (x6), 27-Pax (x3).
• Revenue:~Rs.450,000 (Peak Season), ~Rs.150,000 (Off-Peak).
• Salaries:Rs.10,000-15,000 (Peak), Rs.6,000-7,000 (Off-Peak).
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

PART D
About The Parking System

Parking System of Sendra, Manipur

During our field trip to Sendra, Manipur, we had an opportunity to observe about the parking
system and its working system. Based on our observation and information collected, we got to
know that the parking system was fairly divided into two parts. One was managed by Mr
Pukhrambam Dinesh Singh, manager of Sangai Café which is located on the upland side of the
tourist spot, while one was located on the down-land side open freely and accessible to the
general public. The place was peaceful with a beautiful view of the lake and a well maintained
parking space.

Below are the main detailed observations recorded during our visit :-
1) Parking System
One of the first things we noticed was that the parking is completely free for everyone for down
-land side. However despite being free, the area looked neat and well arranged. The vehicle was
parked in an orderly manner, showing how well the system was managed.
The allocation of the vehicles is given below:-
For down-land :-
Buses - 13
4-wheelers – 15
For upland :-
4-wheelers – 14
The separation made it easier for vehicles to move in and out without any confusion or traffic
problems and to handle more smoothly

2) Entry Fee Structure

Although, there was no charge for parking, we learned that the main source of revenue comes
from the entry ticket fee collection from visitors. The entry fee varies according to age:
Children - Rs 5/-
Students - Rs 10/-
Adults - Rs 20/-
The money collect from these tickets is used to maintain the parking space, the café
surrounding and other visitor facilities.

3) Revenue and Income

From the information accumulated we were not given a specific amount of revenue collected.
But we were told that an average of Rs 1500 per day is collected.

4) Visitor Information
Due to the recent conflicts ongoing in Manipur, the number of visitors had dropped by about
80%. Even then, the area still attracts and welcomes around 200 visitors daily, showing how
people continue to be drawn to Sendra’s beauty and calm atmosphere.
Most of the visitors we saw were between 30 and 35 years old. Moreover families, students and
tourists were seen enjoying the natural surroundings and scenic beauty of Sendra.
 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION

The field visit to Sendra, Manipur provided an interesting anthropological understanding of

tourism intervention with the local environment, culture, and livelihood of local communities
around the Loktak Lake. Sendra is very well known for its landscape, as well as its picturesque
view of the lake with floating phumdis, evidenced human intimacy with surrounding
spatialities. During the field visit, we witnessed ongoing tourism growth fostered by local
hospitality services, scenic stops in particular with guides, boating, and food stalls contributing
income to local villages.

The field study however also suggested local problems. More foot traffic brought or
exacerbated waste mismanagement, overcrowding especially during the peak season,
interference with a fragile lake ecosystem. Local communities themselves were also conscious
of environmental changes, as well as cultural significance to impacts on traditional fishing
practices. These details affirm the need for sustainable tourism practices that allow for
necessary development and also preserving the fragile spatial clearings of the environmental
state.

In summary, the trip indicated that Sendra has enormous potential as a cultural and eco-
tourism site, but it needs improved efforts to conserve the area, better guidelines for visitors,
and meaningful engagement of local communities in tourism planning. Responsible tourism is
critical, as it protects the natural beauty of Loktak Lake and the culture and livelihoods of the
people who depend on it. The takeaways from our field trip illustrate the need for responsible
management so that Sendra can continue to be an important destination in Manipur's tourism
context for generations to come.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Sharma, H. (2019), “Tourism Development in Manipur: Opportunities and Challenges.”

Journal of North East India Studies, 7(2), 45-60
• Government of Manipur,(2022). Tourism Policy of Manipur. Department of Tourism,
Imphal.
• Field Notes and Interviews collected during the fieldtrip to Sendra, Moirang, Loktak Lake
(2025).