Thoubal river movement : Trucks forced to unload loads; TRCC, public decry Governments 'silence'
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, January 22 2019:
Enforcing its ban on trucks and heavy vehicles in the river bed, Thoubal River Conservation Committee and Thoubal Apunba Meira Paibi Association (TAMPA) today forced about 10 trucks to unload their loads at Thoubal Tomjing foothill.
The ban was imposed after State Government and authorities concerned failed to give positive response to the demands of the Thoubal River Conservation Committee (TRCC) to save the river ecosystem for clean water.
Despite months of agitations, the State Government is yet to formulate strict policy and rules to protect the Thoubal river in the interest of the public who dwell on the river banks.
It may be mentioned that the TRCC has been agitating against the river sand mining claiming it to be one of the major factors that contribute to the pollution and muddy river water.
It has been asking the Government for strict regulation of such river bed activities to minimise pollution.
The trucks carrying loads from the river were stopped at Thoubal Awang Leikai and forced to unload the loads at Thoubal Tomjing Leikai by the womenfolk and volunteers of the TRCC.
Speaking to this correspondent, TAMPA secretary AK Sunita said that the ban was forced to imposed as the Government remains silent on the issue.
Muddy water/pollution is becoming a major cause for serious health hazard for the river bank dwellers who use water from the river, she said.
She appealed the heavy vehicle owners and organisations concerned to lend their support to the TRCC in saving the river ecosystem for greater good of the people of Thoubal and other areas who depend on the river.
Meanwhile, All Yairipok Local Truck Owners Association, secretary Rajmohon Sharma said that the association has directed all vehicles operating under it to stop activities in the river bed until the TRCC and the State Government come to an agreement.
Those who violate the direction of the association should bear the sole responsibility for the consequences, he said.