River bank clean up drive continues, Eco Network appeals for Government assistance
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, February 04 2024: Eco Network Heirok in collaboration with Ningol Heirok carried out the 12th installation of the river clean up drive along the river bank of Heirok Wangjing River at Ward No 11 under Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai DLC today.

As per a statement issued by Shinthangamba Laishram, president, Eco-Network Heirok, the cleanliness drive was conducted under the ongoing River Rejuvenation Campaign.

Stating that the drive was carried out with the help of local womenfolk of Heirok Ward No 11, the statement added that the team could not complete the drive today as the pile up of garbage and various waste materials had occurred over the course of many years.

Eco-Network pointed out in their statement that the Forest and Environment Minister had spoken about concerted efforts being undertaken to save and rejuvenate the rivers of the State during his speech on the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2024 .

In stark contrast, Eco-Network alleged that the State departments have stopped organizing training programs and awareness campaigns in this connection citing a "lack of funds" .

Eco-Network added that they have received information about the Manipur Government taking up measures to save Imphal River, Nambul River and Kongba River.

In addition, DPRs were also reportedly submitted to the concerned Ministry for rejuvenation of various rivers including the Heirok-Wangjing River, said the statement.

However, upon reaching out to the State departments such as the Water Resources Department, the PHED or the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the responses are always in the negative due to "lack of funds", claimed Eco-Network. Such responses have discouraged people and organisations who are sincere in their efforts to save rivers of Manipur.

Thus, Eco-Network urged the Government to come up with an alternative plan to save and rejuvenate rivers and raise the call for assistance to everyone sincere in their wish to save rivers.

Stating that Eco-Network is ready to assist in saving not only Heirok Wangjing River but also all the rivers of the State, the statement added that currently they hire the vehicles to transport trash, purchase garbage bags, gloves etc by themselves in order to conduct the ongoing clean up drives.

Stating that DC Thoubal had previously provided them with some help, Eco-Network Heirok highlighted their need for a waste compactor to compress the large quantities of waste materials they have collected in order to minimize the space they take up.

Maintaining that empty words without actions cannot help in saving rivers or the environment, Eco-Network has urged the State Government to work sincerely and help Eco-Network meet their requirements to properly clean the Heirok Wangjing River and its river bank.

Comment