Turbidity level of Thoubal River crosses 1,000 NTU, TRCC unloads sand carried on trucks
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, December 08 2019: Though the High Court of Manipur has imposed a ban on unauthorized quarrying works and sand mining in all the rivers of the State, failure of the State Government to check such illegal activities has led to the increase of turbidity level of Thoubal river, crossing over 1,000 NTU while that of Nambul river stands at 25 NTU.

Despite the ban, many continue to extract sand and stone from Maphou Dam, disregarding the order of High Court.

It is also reported that 19 trucks loaded with sandstone and other materials collected from unauthorised quarry sites were stopped by the volunteers of Thoubal River Conservation Committee (TRCC) this morning.

The trucks were released after the contents on it were unloaded at YASTA ground as the Forest Department refused to take the materials.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held at Thoubal Wangmataba, convenor of TRCC, AK Bisworjit said that the committee started collecting a water sample from many rivers in the valley areas of the State to study its turbidity level since November 30.On studying the samples, it is found that the turbidity level of Thoubal river was above 1,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) while that of Nambul river, which is considered as one of the most polluted rivers, stands below 25 NTU, he said adding that turbidity levels of water at Maphithel Dam, Imphal river and Iril river were also found at 60, 15 and below 59 NTUs respectively, which are far more better than the Thoubal River.

Saying that the turbidity level of water which are suitable for utilisation should stands below 5 NTU as per the guideline given by the World Health Organisation (WHO), he contended that water at Thoubal river is not fit for consumption or any other usage.

Though the High Court has issued an order to save such river from further deterioration, failure on the part of the State Government and authorities concerned has led to further contamination of the river as many continue unauthorized quarrying works and sand mining, he asserted.

Questioning if the Government is giving free hands to such workers to pursue their business, he appealed all concerned to stop such unauthorised activity at the earliest to save the rivers.

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