International River Day observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 14 2023: Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA) along with Lairouching Village Authority and Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association observed International River Day at Lairouching village which is located along the banks of Barak River on Tuesday.

In a release, CRA, Manipur secretary Jit en Yumnam informed that the observance was held on the theme 'Let all the Rivers Flow Free in Manipur'.

During the observance, Jiten shared the importance of rivers as source of culture and livelihood of indigenous peoples.

The international river day is being celebrated to protect intrinsic relationship of rivers with the people and to ensure that rivers are saved from pollution and to prevent dam building that can kill rivers.

The construction of 67 MW Khongnem Chakha Dam and 190 MW Pabram dam will submerge large tract of agriculture and forest land in areas inhabited by the Liangmai and Maram tribes in North Manipur, he contin ued, while adding that indigenous peoples' rights should be fully recognised before introduction of any kind of development processes affecting the land, river and forest in Manipur.

The observance was attended by Lairouching Village Authority member Solomon, environmentalist Themson Jajo and Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association secretary Heisnam Chaoba among others.

Later, the participants organised a symbolic mobilisation at the Barak River portion in Lairouching village and raised slogans such as, "Let the Barak River Flow Free", "The Rivers, Forest and Land is our Life", "We say No to 67 MW Khongnem Chakha Dam", the release added.

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