IMPHAL, March 14: The International Rivers Day of Action for Rivers, Water and Life was observed today at Thong Nambolbi organized by Nambul River Revival (Nambul Tural Hinghansee).
Convener of Nambul River Revival, Ram Wangkheirakpam said despite the fact that rivers are connected to our life and civilization, the government has failed to take up proper steps to protect and save rivers.
He expressed that there is a need for both individual and collective efforts to safeguard the rivers.
He said we should ensure reduction of waste products entering the river eco-system and at the same time exert ourselves to bring the government to be more active in taking up efforts to save the rivers.
He said people should stop polluting the rivers by throwing plastic and other toxic materials into the rivers.
He said today even the Loktak Lake has become a garbage dump.
We should never forget that rivers are the cradle of civilisation, he said.
It was along the Nambul River that human habitation and commerce flourished in the State, he said.
The historic Nupi Keithel has been located along this river since a long time and continues to be so, which reflect the prominence of this river, he added.
He said, however as the city grew, and the road network improved, the riverine network for transportation was neglected and the rivers in the State have been relegated to nothing but drains.
Widespread and unmanaged waste and sewage dumping directly or indirectly into this river has led to a destructive trend, he claimed.
He said the citizens should take responsibility to safeguard the river.
He stated that Nambul River Revival also known as Nambul Turel Hinghansee is a group of like-minded organisations and individuals attempting to bring back the Nambul River to life.
The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation, the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur and Human Rights Initiative also jointly observed the day at Chadong village in Ukhrul district along the Thoubal River which is now converted into a reservoir of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project today.
The observation at Chadong Village is part of a three-day observation of the International Rivers day organised under the theme “protection of river, agriculture land and natural resources of Manipur”.
The observation was marked with protest meet and sharing from key representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation, Chadong village Authority and several other environmental and human rights organisation.
MDAVO chairman Dominic highlighted how the project proponents of Mapithel dam submerged thousands of hectares of agriculture land, forest areas and grazing grounds from January 2015 onwards on leading to untold hardship on villagers.
He said that the Government has failed to conduct holistic impact assessments, which led to controversial and divisive rehabilitation of affected communities.
The chairman stressed the need for addressing the rightful demands for justice and fair rehabilitation of all communities affected by Mapithel dam, he added.
CRAM secretary Jiten Yumnam shared how the key objectives of the observation of international rivers day worldwide is rendered meaningless in Manipur with Barak river, Thoubal river and other already subjected to mega dams constructions, destroying the dependence of indigenous communities and high level of population and contamination such as the Nambul river.
He said the human rights of indigenous communities and the impact on environment, rich flora fauna and other cultural and natural heritage of Manipur and undermined and neglected. He express concerns that rivers, forest and other natural heritage of Manipur are destroyed to serve the profit and business interest of corporate bodies.
The Committee on Human Rights chairman Phulindro explained the need to rejuvenate the health of Thoubal river and other rivers of Manipur and to promote the intrinsic relationship of indigenous communities with Thoubal river which requires a full respect of human rights.
A brief protest meet was held urging the Government to address the multifaceted impacts of Mapithel dam to review the Mapithel dam construction and to let the Thoubal river flow free. A community meet will also held to protect the Barak river at L Pabram village in Tamenglong on March 15 and March 16.