For many, riverbanks are waste disposal sites
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2025: In a complete disregard for civic responsibility and the ever worsening environmental pollution, many people continue to dump household waste on riverbanks and other open spaces, seemingly unaware of the detrimental consequences.

Reckless waste dumping not only contaminates the site and emits a foul odour but also poses a significant public health risk by breeding disease-carrying insects, highlighting the State's ongoing struggle with effective waste management.

Singjamei in Imphal West is among the areas grappling with this crisis, underscoring the need for effective waste management.

Riverbanks are particularly affected, with a wide range of waste - from organic matter to plastic products - being dumped.

This issue stems from inadequate waste disposal methods and insufficient waste collection infrastructure, including vehicles, bins, and facilities.

Additionally, the absence of strict penalties emboldens some sections of people to litter and dump waste indiscriminately.

Even as the Government's inadequate enforcement is a matter of great concern and needs a corrective action, individuals who thoughtlessly litter and throw waste on open spaces and riverbanks must be held accountable for their actions.

Raising awareness among the public and strict enforcement of waste management rules are crucial to curb indiscriminate dumping and protect water bodies from contamination.

A sustainable approach to waste management requires regular cleaning drives, educating the public on separating waste (organic, recyclable, and harmful), and setting up community composting centers to manage organic waste.

By enhancing waste collection, segregation, disposal, and recycling practices, environmental pollution can be substantially reduced in areas like Singjamei.

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