<p>The present study investigates the spatial and temporal variations of phumdi (floating vegetation) in Loktak lake of Manipur, employing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Loktak lake, renowned for its unique phumdi formations, plays a crucial role in the region’s ecological and socio-economic landscape. In the last decade there are reporting of ecological threats to the existence of such natural phumdis in Loktak lake. The dynamic nature of phumdi poses significant challenges for conservation and sustainable management. By utilizing multi-temporal satellite imagery, this study aims to map and analyze changes in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the extent and distribution of phumdi over a period of forty-four years (1978–2022). The results reveal significant fluctuations in phumdi coverage, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. This study underscores the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS for continuous monitoring and provides valuable insights for the effective management and preservation of Loktak lake’s unique ecosystem.</p>