There are more and more reasons to Say No to Coal in Manipur
As a part of the campaign National Day of Action on Coal to voice against use of coal as major of energy, a campaign entitled “Say No to Coal in Manipur” was organized at Imphal, the capital city of Manipur state on 10th November 2012. A drawing competition on the theme “Climate Change in Manipur” was organized for the students staying at Destitute Children Home, Dewlahland in Imphal West District.
A street awareness campaign was organized at Bir Tikendrajit Road in Imphal West District where pamphlets were distributed and petition was signed by public to prefer renewable energy than coal which pollute environment. The public were made aware of the environmental pollution and other climatic disasters that coal can create. There is report that state government of Manipur is planning to undertake mining of coal that will feed a coal power plant of at least 500 MW. If the project is taken up, it will pollute the air, water and soil which will affect the climate, productivity of crops and other environmental as well as health related problems.
The campaign is an attempt to highlight the environmental problems it will create to the natural environment of the state and it is also suggested to prefer renewable energy such as solar and wind energy as major source of energy. Many states have already implemented it and our government should consider it as it will lead to clean and greener environment. Three environmental youth leaders Rajkumari Khrideshori, Adhikarimayum Aisho Sharma and Premjit lead the campaign. The campaign was organized by North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER), Imphal and the campaign is part of the nationwide campaign “India Beyond Coal” initiated by 350.org.