Organisations demand relocation of solid waste management site
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, January 02 2026: Various clubs and organisations, women's associations, Meira Paibi Lup, and the UFO (Satjal Academy), from villages located near the foothills of Kwarok Nongpok Taarang Saaraba (Kwarok Mahadev) shrine in Yairipok Kekru, Thoubal district, have strongly objected to the solid waste management site set up near the shrine by the Yairipok Municipal Council.

In a joint press statement, the organisations stated that the location of the waste management site at the foothills of the shrine is highly inappropriate and poses serious risks to devotees visiting the sacred place for worship, as well as to farmers, fish cultivators and residents of the surrounding villages.

They appealed to the concerned authorities to immediately look into the matter and shift the waste disposal site to a more suitable location.

The statement said that the dumping of garbage near the shrine has caused severe inconvenience to devotees and commuters in the area due to the accumulation of waste, foul and rotten smell, and smoke caused by the burning of plastic waste.

Such activities, they alleged, pose grave health hazards, leading to various illnesses among residents, and have also affected the sanctity of the shrine with piles of garbage spread across the area.

Pointing out that the location is known for its natural beauty and has been identified as a eco-tourism spot by the Manipur Government, the organisations questioned why the area was not being preserved and maintained in a clean and pollution-free manner.

They stated that the continued dumping of waste has severely tarnished the image of the area.

The statement further said that villagers and farmers from nearby villages such as Pechi, Kekru, Khoirom, Bamol Leikai and Bishnunaha are facing serious problems, as garbage dumped along the roadside has scattered widely, attracting flies and adversely affecting the surrounding environment.

According to the organisations, several written representations regarding the issue have already been submitted to the MLA of Wangkhem Assembly Constituency, the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, the Caretaker Chairperson and Executive Officer of the Yairipok Municipal Council, and the Yairipok Police Station.

However, they alleged that despite repeated appeals, the Municipal Council has continued disposing of waste and burning plastic at the site.

Warning that the continued dumping and burning of waste could endanger the environment and public health, the organisations expressed apprehension that the spread of diseases could severely impact the present and future well-being of the people.

Before any further complications arise, the clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi Lup of the area have urged the authorities to immediately shift the solid waste management site to an alternative location.

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