The unique floating islands of Loktak Lake, India

Loktak Lake, located in the state of Manipur, is the largest freshwater lake in north-eastern India, renowned for its floating islands known as phumdis: masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter which support both human settlements and diverse ecosystems. The lake plays a crucial role in the local economy by supporting fishing, agriculture, and hydropower generation. 

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 29 September 2025, shows Loktak Lake from above. The numerous phumdis appear as bright green, circular patterns across the surface of the lake.

Copernicus satellite imagery plays a vital role in monitoring global water bodies, providing essential data to guide policies that protect both the communities and ecosystems which depend on them.