Thoubal River's turbidity level above 900 NTU: PFA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 22 2025: While, everyone is observing World Water Day, the turbidity level of Thoubal river has now exceeded 900 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) .

In this regard, People for Animals Manipur (PFA) apprised Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday and urged him to take actions to save the river and eliminate the sand mafia.

In a press release, PFA managing trustee L Biswajeet Meitei said that the turbidity level should be below 10 but it has risen to 900 NTU in Thoubal River due to absence of rain.

In 2019, a movement to save the river was launched but has remained unsuccessful.

The Manipur High Court took up a PIL submitted by the Thoubal River Conservation Committee same year and ordered a prohibition on any form of illegal quarrying from the river.

Despite the prohibition and the intense efforts of the people, efforts to save and cleanse the waters of the river remain a challenge.

Although the High Court had directed the district administration concerned and top police officials, no action seems to have been taken up.

Instead, several unfortunate incidents have occurred.

The people alone cannot save the river and require the sincerity of the officials, he said, while stressing the need to save Thoubal River just like all the other rivers of the state.

In the letter, Biswajeet informed the Governor that the waters of Thoubal River had been turbid and muddy for over seven years.

Despite the ban on sand quarrying by the High Court, many continue to flout the rules.

He then urged for strict action against the violators.

Biswajeet also submitted photo-video proofs of sand quarry activities carried out on Friday and Saturday.

He then expressed belief that the Governor and the Chief Justice would put an end to the sand quarrying activities and save the river.

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