How to Contribute to Save Dhansiri

Martha J. *

Dhansiri River is the most important river of Nagaland. It originates from Laisang Peak of Nagaland and flows 352 kilometres from South to North before joining Brahmaputra. Recently there have been many articles in media regarding Dhansiri River getting placed in the list of most polluted rivers.

The National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWQMP) under the Central Ministry of Environment and Forest has listed Dhansiri river, running along the stretch of Dimapur, under the category of 'Polluted Rivers' in the country indicating that the water quality of Dhansiri river is degrading further beyond human consumption or even bathing. This is quite alarming.

The categorization is specific to Dimapur area only and does not include parts that flow along Golaghat district of Assam. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is one of the most common measures of pollutant organic material in water. BOD indicates the amount of permissible organic matter present in water.

The National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWQMP) report on Dhansiri River states that the organic pollution measured in terms of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) indicated an average of 3-6 mg per litre, varying on different points or sources in Dimapur. The permissible or desirable limit of BOD is only 2 mg per litre.

There are no major industries in Dimapur that can cause such serious contamination. It clearly means the pollution is due to domestic waste and municipal solid waste which is being dumped into the river without much ado by the citizens as well as the civic body. Toxic waste and untreated sewage is dumped randomly into the Dhansiri River.

So as to know about the River Pollution its Causes and Remedies adopted by various organizations all over the world and contribute as a citizen in this social issue I studied the matter in detail. I would like to share my knowledge with all the respectable citizens who are reading this article.

I truly believe that the solution to this problem is only Education and Awareness. There are many causes of River Pollution but out of that two broad categories of River Pollution are 'Point Source' and 'Non Point Source'. 'Point source' Pollution occurs when harmful substances are emitted directly into River.

An example of a point source of water pollution is a pipe from an industrial facility discharging emissions directly into a river. Point-source pollution is usually monitored and regulated, at least in Western countries, where government is stricter. In 'Nonpoint source' pollutants are delivered indirectly through transport or environmental change in the River.

An example of a nonpoint-source of pollution is when fertilizer from a farm field is carried into a stream by rain (i.e. run-off).Nonpoint sources are much more difficult to monitor and control, and today they account for the majority of contaminants in streams and lakes.

Plastics and other plastic-like substances including Nylon, Rubber etc are other major culprits for not only river pollution but also for soil pollution. All organic things decompose but the plastic does not..it remains in the ecosystem for years to kill again and again.

In developing countries, an estimated 90% of wastewater is discharged directly into rivers and streams without treatment. Even in modern countries, untreated sewage, poorly treated sewage, or overflow from under-capacity sewage treatment facilities can send disease-bearing water into rivers and oceans.

Also when the forests are "clear cut," the root systems that previously held soil in place die and sediment is free to run off into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. It's time to implement big and small river protection methods by each and every one of us. All the schools, colleges and NGOs should work towards the goal of Pollution Free Dhansiri.

You and I the citizens of Dimapur should accept personal responsibility for making the atmosphere of Dimapur pollution free resulting in saving Dhansiri. To act and be part of the solution let's start the actions right from our home. Do not litter in public places. Have a proper waste disposal system. Don't throw any plastic or polythene bags, beer caps etc by the river or anywhere.

Throw it in the garbage bin .If you see anyone doing that tell them politely not to do so. Take very good care of your pets and their wastes. Never throw, drain, or dispose any substance in solid, liquid or gaseous form into the water, air or land that shall cause pollution in our city.

If you, as responsible, educated citizen, happen to know about such people who pollute the environment, educate them. If required complaint against them. If you have the time, gather some friends and other concerned people to educate your neighborhood. Anti-litter campaigns can educate the populace.

Residents near a river should be educated on how throwing their garbage into the river directly affects them and their neighbors. Pictures of other rivers that have gone polluted and photos of the people who have suffered because of the pollution be shown to them. Give them options regarding waste disposal, and suggest only those that are practical for them.

When the government is actively involved in the preservation of nature, it improves the chances of success. It is high time now that the Government should address the issue by passing some form of pollution prevention measures, strict rules and regulations. Industries should strictly follow applicable government regulations on pollution control.

Industries should monitor their solid, liquid, gaseous emissions regularly and take measures to ensure compliance with the prescribed emission standards. Environmentally agreeable regulations regarding industrial waste disposals will head towards being friends with Dhansiri and ultimately our Mother Nature. Now it's time for a conscientious effort to adopt good practices and habits by our people to save not only our river Dhansiri but also our environment.

If there are no pollutants, there will be no pollution. Although it is easier said than done, let's all give our bit and spread awareness to all. It's the awareness only on the issue which will not only save Dhansiri but also the environment in which we live in, which will further contribute for global environment and ecology conservation by us.

Let's be part of the solution and not part of the problem. With all this it is very clear that our efforts can save our Dhansiri. We can still pursue the dream for a clean and more pollution-free Dimapur. There is only one root to every solution and that is found in the persons, that is you and me.