Imphal, July 13 -- An edible insect, Lethocerus indicus (scientific name), locally known as Naosek in Manipuri, was once a common sight in paddy fields and shallow wetlands across Manipur during the monsoon season.

Today, however, it is vanishing from its natural habitats. Naosek, a giant water bug, has long been a part of Manipuri food traditions.

This insect, once widely found in Loktak Lake and typically inhabiting shallow water bodies and paddy lands, is now disappearing.

People now consider it a near-extinct species because it has become rare, though vendors still occasionally sell it in local markets.

Environmentalist Khagembam Shamungou states that people in countries such as India (Manipur), Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippi...