Locals halt passage of trucks carrying excavated sand
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, December 21 2018:
Following the constant ignorance of the State Government to the grievances of Thoubal people regarding the pollution of Thoubal river, a group of locals blocked the passage of some trucks carrying sand excavated from Thoubal riverbed, today.
It may be mentioned that Thoubal River Conservation Committee has been raising concerns regarding the flow of dirty/muddy water in the river which is a human made disaster.
The committee has also urged the authorities concerned repeatedly to put a halt to activities which lead to pollution of the river.
Meanwhile, the committee has on December 10, warned against excavation of sand from the Thoubal river bed and the vehicles carrying the excavated sand.
The locals also came out to on roads to block such vehicles.
Nearly 30 vehicles carrying sand dug from the riverbed were made to turn back from two different locations of Thoubal Kshetri Leikai and Phoudel Moirangpalli yesterday while another 20 vehicles which was on its way to collect the sand were also blocked from entering.
On the other hand, the locals made 25 loaded trucks to turn back from Thoubal Wangkhem and Poiroukhongjin today.
Urging the State Government, the people of Thoubal district has raised concern of possible feud between those who earn by driving trucks for carrying sand and those who buy water regularly for essential necessities.
As the State Government has turned a blind eye to the repeated appeals and protests by locals, Meira Paibis, clubs and organisations, the step to block the entry or exit of vehicles meant for sand excavation has been taken up by the locals.
In another report, Lamding Education Welfare Association (LEWA) has also appealed the authorities concerned to keep Wangjing river neat and clean.
A press release issued by president of LEWA said that Wangjing river is an essential water source for three constituencies namely Heirok, Wangjing-Tentha and Khangabok ACs while hundreds of people of five villages including Heirok, Wangjing, Lamding, Sangaiyumpham and Tentha depend on the river for basic needs.
However, the present condition of the water flowing in the river has posed a huge threat on the lives of many, it asserted.
It stated that the locals throw garbage on the river which pollutes it and makes it harmful.
LEWA appealed the local MLA and the authorities concerned to solve the matter at the earliest and further urged the people not to dump garbage onto the river.