FIRM, bodies observe International River Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 15 2024:
Forum for Indigenous Rights Manipur (FIRM) observed International River Day/International Day of Action for Rivers at Rajaimai village portion of Barak River in Senapati district on Thursday.
In a release, FIRM informed that several resolutions were adopted during the observance including to let the Barak River flow freely, protect Barak River's ecology, retain Barak River as heritage and oppose construction of 67 MW Khongnem-Chakha Dam over Barak River.
During the programme, Shimthar Jajo and Mothel Saka highlighted detrimental effect of Mapithel dam of Thoubal Multipurpose Project on lives of indigenous communities as the said project not only destroyed Thoubal River/Yangwuikong and its natural ecosystem but also caused disruption to livelihood, downgraded economy, dilution of culture, disintegration of villages and sowed mutual distrust among the inter and intra affected villagers.
They contended disasters occur due to wrath of nature for breaking its natural flow by the Mapithel dam project.
Tribal Knowledge Foundation (TKF), Senapati president Dr Paode, also a founding member of FIRM, remind ed that among the natural resources, water is the most precious gift of God to human.
He further expressed that any development plan like dam project at the cost of indigenous land, river, forest and resources threaten the veiy existence and survival of communities.
As such, proper consultation and consent of the communities is mandatory where safety of the indigenous people lies, Paode stressed.
In his address, FIRM Jajo Themson informed that rivers constitute everything for the indigenous communities in terms of day to day sustenance and unbreakable chain of historical, customary, social, economy, agriculture and survival power of the communities.
He also mentioned about status of rivers as laid down under the Universal Declaration of Rivers Rights (UDRR), 29th September, 2017 by the Earth Law Centre (ELC), New York, which mandates rivers' legal entity as human being with five fundamental rights.
Willong village former chairman Th Kashing, village authorities, youth and women representatives from Rajaimai, Bendramai, B'akie, Willong Khullen, Willong Khunou, Kamalong, Yang Khullen, Ze-xlamyi and Pundunlung also took part in the observance, the release added.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, and Apunba Imagi Ma-chasing (AIMS), Manipur also observed International Day of Action for Rivers on Thursday at Tairenpokpi on the theme "Water for All," The observance was attended by Indira Gandhi National Tribal University - Regional Campus Manipur faculty Dr Homen Thangjam, social activist Worthing Horam, AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil Singh, and president Mayanglambam Khelendra Singh.
The event addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity in Manipur, particularly focusing on challenges posed by heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong.
Discussions highlighted the detrimental impact of river pollution and advocated for sustainable water management practices.
Manipur, a state located amidst verdant hills and crisscrossed by vibrant rivers, faces a growing water crisis, noted the participants.
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