Meeting resolves to prohibit pollution of river systems in Longmai Area
Source: The Sangai Express

Noney, April 23 2023: An awareness camp and consultative meeting held today at Longmai-3, Church Hall has resolved to prohibit pollution of the river system in Longmai Area, Noney by way of mining, dumping sewage and industrial wastes, disposal of dead animals etc.

The meeting which was conducted on the subject of environment and climate change was organised by Save River Mission (SRM) in collaboration with RNCM Longmai Luangrean, RNSOM, Villages Council Longmai Area (VCLA) Longmai Bazar Board, PHE Noney Division & Rongmei Riders.

The program was sponsored by Akinsin Gangmei, Outer Manipur MP nominee and social worker, Napolean Rongmei, DFO, Noney Forest Division and Dinganglung Gangmei, MLA 54 Nungba AC (ST) and Chairman HAC Manipur.

Meeting resolves to prohibit pollution of river systems in Longmai Area

Participating CSOs of Longmai Area with the consultation of the organising committee also adopted many other notable resolutions regarding the regulation on quarrying/mining for sand, gravel and other activities in order to save the rivers and springs flowing through Longmai Area.

The gathering resolved to impose a ban on the use of heavy excavators directly in the river as well as in-stream mining.

Heavy fines will be imposed on defaulters as penalty if found guilty, it said.

It also disallowed the altering/redirection of any part of the Ijei, Aling and Khaphanthuak river systems under any circumstances.

"No mining activity will be permitted in sensitive zones such as protected areas, historical sites, forest, bridges, important structures, habitation etc", it added.

Notably, non-local individuals/company/contractor/suppliers have been prohibited from carrying out mining activity except under conditions deemed fit by the committee.

Lastly, illegal fishing with the use of poisonous chemicals and electric inverters have also been restricted.

Village leaders and various CSO leaders of Longmai Area including women folks leaders attended the program as well many advoacates who attended the function as resource persons.

As a part of the Save River Campaign Rongmei Riders team conducted social work at Ijei river bank at Longmai Bazar.

Subsequently, a student rally was taken out led by RNSOM at Longmai Bazar from Bridge Point to Longmai Common Ground.

ZEO Noney, Daichuipou Gangmei, president, RNSOM and Alan Kamei, convener, Save River Mission, delivered short speeches to the students assembled.