Study begins on impacts of quarrying
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 07 2014 :
A joint team of the State Environment and Impact Assessment Authority, Forest Department, Directorate of Environment and Manipur University has started a research work to find out if quarrying of stone and sand in Imphal river bed at Sekmai and Thoubal river bed at Moirangpurel has any impact on the water resources of the two rivers.
The research work cum field study was launched today at the initiative of Forest Department following the National Green Tribunal's prohibition on quarrying of sand and stones from river beds without environmental clearance.
One member of the research team said that the field study was done between Kanglatongbi and Awang Potshangbam along Imphal river and at Moirangpurel along Thoubal river.
It needs further study if quarrying activities in river beds have any impact on environment or are related to water scarcity.
The field study would be resumed during next year's rainy season, said the expert.
Nonetheless, the field study conducted today would be enough for compiling a preliminary report.
An action plan would also be chalked out for granting environmental clearance after a complete report is compiled, he added.