Public consultation prog held
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, March 14 2014 :
A one-day river cleaning and grassroots level public consultation program was conducted at Saidan Bridge, Saidan village, Churachandpur, Manipur today under the sub-theme "Save the Khuga River - Save Churachandpur" .
The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) in collaboration with North East India Outlook (NEIO), North East Peoples' Alliance (NEPA) and Indigenous Perspective (IP) had organized the consultation programme keeping into account the serious threat caused to the rivers and wetlands of Manipur and also to the lives of the people dependent on them due to mismanagement, lack of a sense of ownership and responsibilities among the people and the government.
March 14 being the International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams, thousands of people all over the world life their voices to celebrate the world's rivers and those who struggle to protect them.
The global theme for the current year being "Rivers Unite Us", the day is attempted to unite and educate one another about the threats facing the rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions.
Every year, the day is marked as a day to celebrate victories over dam removal and river restoration.
It is a day to demonstrate and demand improvements in the policies and practices of decision makers.
In addition to the program at the Khuga River in Churachandpur today, another program under the sub-theme "Save the Khordak River and its Sister Rivers: Decommission Khordak Dam and Ithai Dam" was also held at Khordak Nimai Panjeng, Thanga which was jointly organized by CORE, ALLAFUM, IP, KWYO, KIC, SAYO and YASOK in association with ACTIP, AMUCO, COHR, FRIENDS, HRI, NEPA, IPSA, NEDF, NIPCO, PRDA, PALNRO, REACHOUT and UCM.
As a bigger initiative to save the rivers and wetlands of Manipur and conserve the fragile environment that is on the brink of man-made destruction, these programs were organized to bring together peoples, government officials, local clubs and other stake holders who play a pivotal role as caretakers of the rivers and wetlands and ensure their continued survival.
As part of the consultation program held at Churachandpur, villagers and organizers of the programme conducted a cleanup drive of Khuga River which runs nearby Saidan Village.
A total of five posters engraved as 'Save Khuga River, Save Churachandpur' was also put up at the bank of the Khuga River.
General Secretary of Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU), S.Nengkhanlun was present at the programme as chief guest along with Dr.Immanuel Zarzosang Varte, executive director, CORE, Ram Wangheirakpam, co-ordinator, NEPA and Timothy Z.Zote, president, NEIO.
Speaking at the occasion, the general secretary, MHJU, S.Nengkhanlun stated that the role of media in the society is vital as it plays the part of a mediator between the public and the government.
Through the media, people are able to connect with the government and understand its policies and reforms, he added.
As such, people need to co-operate with the media so that more awareness are spread and the rivers are saved.
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