Consultation prog flags rising pollution level of rivers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2025: Buil-ding large dams over major rivers of the State has under-mined the indigenous peo- ples' relationship with the rivers and added to their hardships, said Yumnam Jiten, secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA) Manipur.

He made the remark during a consultation on "Reju- venating Indigenous Peoples Relationship with Rivers in Manipur" organised by CRA Manipur, the Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association and Go Green Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Yumnam Jiten addressed rising pollution levels in the major rivers, including Nambul and Kongba River.

The public needs to do away with the habit of dum-ping their garbage in the rivers, he asserted.

The unsustainable excavation of sand, stone and boulders using heavy machinery, JCBs, earth movers etc has negatively affected the rivers.

Additionally, construction of large dams, including Ithai Barrage, Thoubal Maphou Dam, Khoupum and Dolaithabi Barrage, over the rivers have brought changes in the flow regime of the rivers, he said.

Saying that indigenous people maintain an inseparable relationship with ri- vers, forest and land, he maintained that building dams over major rivers has greatly impacted the lives of these people by hampering fishing and sand and stone collection which are a means of livelihood for them.

The Government should ensure the rightful participation of all people who de- pend on the rivers and seek their consent in their efforts to rejuvenate the rivers.

He further underscored the need to address rapid deforestation in the hills as a way to save rivers and deal with flash floods.

Speaking on "Thoubal River and changing relationship with communities", Ibetombi Nameirakpam, representing Mapithel Dam Downstream Affected Village Level Committee, said that the blockade of Thoubal River by the Mapithel Dam has affected people's livelihood, leading to adverse economic impact on the villagers in Nungbrung, Tumu- khong and Laikhong etc.

Meanwhile, Heisnam Chaoba, president, Loktak Fisheries Welfare Association tackled the topic "Khordak River and impact of Ithai Barrage" .

Dr Chirom Rajketan, Associate Professor, Manipuri Department, Manipur University spoke on the significance of "Tutenglon", the traditional water management system of the Meiteis that has effectively managed rivers and other water bodies in Manipur with the participation of communities.

The role of the public in keeping the rivers clean and the need for coordination among different Government departments to save and rejuvenate rivers were also addressed.

Later, a discussion on "Strategies to protect rivers in Manipur" was held.

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