Environment Protection Union expresses concern over deforestation, illegal sand mining, pollution
|
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 6 : The Environment Protection Union (EPU), Manipur has expressed serious concern over the shrinking/ drying up of rivers and canals in the State due to severe deforestation in hill areas, illegal sand mining, pollution, and encroachment.
Speaking to mediapersons at NIPCO office in Keishampat on Friday, EPU convenor M Dhananjoy said that Manipur has been experiencing an increase in floods, landslides, and rising temperatures due to a combination of climate change and human activities, including deforestation and encroachment on natural water bodies.
He asserted that shrinking/ drying up of rivers and canals have led to water scarcity, reduced river flow, loss of springs, and increased flood risks, impacting water supply for cities and agriculture, despite efforts by Environment Protection Union and other stakeholders to rejuvenate water bodies and manage resources.
Expressing concern over the deplorable condition of Waishel Maril, he recounted that in July 2024, EPU launched an initiative aimed at desilting one of the vital waterways of the State, the Waishel Maril.
Highlighting the importance of Waisel Maril in channeling the flow of flood water from the Imphal valley to Loktak Lake, he asserted that since 2024, EPU has undertaken clean-up drives of the Waishel Maril in a phase-wise manner.
He also shared that clean-up activities were carried out at key stretches from Kwakeithel Moirang Purel to Haobam Marak, Konjeng Leikai, Mongshangei, Bamon Karak, Airport Mamang Pareng, Irom Meijrao, Kha-Sanjenbam, Pukhrambam and Samushang Santipur.
Lamenting that river pollution persists despite the cleanup efforts, he highlighted the need for stronger public awareness, stricter enforcement, and robust, long-term Government policies focusing on sewage treatment, waste management, afforestation, and community involvement.
Furthermore, Dhananjoy appealed to all the local clubs, organisations and the Government to provide their support & cooperation in protecting & preserving the environment.
IMPHAL, Dec 6 : The Environment Protection Union (EPU), Manipur has expressed serious concern over the shrinking/ drying up of rivers and canals in the State due to severe deforestation in hill areas, illegal sand mining, pollution, and encroachment.
Speaking to mediapersons at NIPCO office in Keishampat on Friday, EPU convenor M Dhananjoy said that Manipur has been experiencing an increase in floods, landslides, and rising temperatures due to a combination of climate change and human activities, including deforestation and encroachment on natural water bodies.
He asserted that shrinking/ drying up of rivers and canals have led to water scarcity, reduced river flow, loss of springs, and increased flood risks, impacting water supply for cities and agriculture, despite efforts by Environment Protection Union and other stakeholders to rejuvenate water bodies and manage resources.
Expressing concern over the deplorable condition of Waishel Maril, he recounted that in July 2024, EPU launched an initiative aimed at desilting one of the vital waterways of the State, the Waishel Maril.
Highlighting the importance of Waisel Maril in channeling the flow of flood water from the Imphal valley to Loktak Lake, he asserted that since 2024, EPU has undertaken clean-up drives of the Waishel Maril in a phase-wise manner.
He also shared that clean-up activities were carried out at key stretches from Kwakeithel Moirang Purel to Haobam Marak, Konjeng Leikai, Mongshangei, Bamon Karak, Airport Mamang Pareng, Irom Meijrao, Kha-Sanjenbam, Pukhrambam and Samushang Santipur.
Lamenting that river pollution persists despite the cleanup efforts, he highlighted the need for stronger public awareness, stricter enforcement, and robust, long-term Government policies focusing on sewage treatment, waste management, afforestation, and community involvement.
Furthermore, Dhananjoy appealed to all the local clubs, organisations and the Government to provide their support & cooperation in protecting & preserving the environment.