TODAY -

Drying up of Thongjaorok River hits hard breadwinners
Source: Chronicle News Service / Ngangom Suraj

Imphal, July 02 2023: There is no denying the fact that women of Manipur played and are playing significant roles in the socio-economic development of the state and the hard working women of Bishnupur Kha Mamang Leikai are no exception.

Sadly, their livelihood is under serious threat as Thongjaorok River, which they used to depend on, is drying up, thanks to unregulated and injudicious quarrying activities.

Thongjaorok is a rain-fed river which originated from the Laima-ton-Loiching hill ranges between Bishnupur and Oinam on the west -ern side of the Imphal valley.

Total length of the river from its source to the confluence with the Loktak Lake at Tekra Pat is about 15.5 km, out of which about 8.5 km is spread in th#hills and remaining 7 km in the valley portion.

From sand and stone pebbles to boulders, all sorts of raw materials used in construction works were in abundance just a couple of de cades back and the river used to be life-giver for many people.

Unfortunately, unregulated and unsustainable excavation and quarrying activities along the river banks and beds for several years, beyond the River's capacity to recover, led to exhaustion of its precious minor mineral quarries, consequently leaving the locals who relied on the river for various purposes, such agriculture and sand mining, devastated.

Experts are of the view the disappearance of the river will affect the temperature of the region, alter precipitation pattern, impact local ecosystem, increase desertification and impact the social and economic activities, thus, contributing to climate change.

With the river under serious threat of drying up and the once life-giving source turned into mud pools, women labourers and miners have no other choice but to abandon their occupations and seek for alternatives which again is no easy task in a state like Manipur where rate of unemployment is very high.

Talking to one Mantrimayum Jamuna (63), a former miner and labourer as well as an active member of a registered body christened "Thongjaorok Quarry Women Labour Union", formed in the mid-90s, it came to light that since time immemorial almost every family settling along the Thongjaorok River depended on it for livelihood.

From raw materials used' in construction to drinking water and irrigation, the river provided them all their requirements, she added.

However unsustainable way of quarrying and mining activities using heavy machinery over the last decade or so, has led to the depletion of its minerals, leaving many families especially illiterate women folk jobless or shift to new occupations, she added.

Holding politicians and other powerful people responsible for the river's depletion, Jamuna recalled that huge amount of sand and pebbles were extracted for repairing roads and construction of other structures in the name of public interest especially in the run to elections, leaving the river as mud pools.

As condition of the river deteriorated, the authorities have now imposed ban on all mining activities leaving many in the lurch, Jamuna stated.

She said, "Since 1980s I had been working as manual miner as primary source of income for the family providing food and education for the children.

Now that mining has been restricted and again finding new occupation is almost impossible being illiterate and owning no farm land, we work as cultivators which is not very profitable and is also season-based" .

Even as mining has been restricted along the river banks and beds, the restriction seems to be valid only at the valley stretch of the river as many continue mining activities including use of heavy machineries along the hilly stretch.

Apart from this unjust restriction, several small dams have reportedly been constructed on the upstream.

Moreover, large scale deforestations in the hills have interrupted the flow of the river, thus hindering the natural process of replenishment," she remarked.

Similarly, disappearance of the river is impacting source of water, she said, adding that even during rainy days, the river could not hold much water resulting in disappearance of several aquatic plants and species, Jamuna noted.

Chipping in one Thingjujam Kunjabati said, "Life was easier when mining was allowed as one could easily earn Rs 300-500 a day just by using a hammer.

But now with depletion of the river, even people residing along the river bank are purchasing sand and other construction materials from Serou, Sekmai, etc.

Due to shortage of income children are forced to leave private schools to either continue education at the affordable government schools or drop out of school" .

Both opined that through sustainable approach including afforestation in the catchment area, regulate mining activities and proper intervention of the government would not only restore the river but also ensure sustainable source of income to the locals once again.

In the regard, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change deputy director Dr T Brajakumar Singh pointed out that the traditional means of quarrying has nothing to do with climate change while extensive mining activities to the extent of drying up of a river can directly impact the climatic condition of the region.

According to Dr Brajakumar rivers play a crucial role in regulating local temperatures by providing a source of moisture and influencing local climate patterns.

When a river dries up, the loss of water can lead to increase in temperature in the surrounding area.

Rivers also contribute to the water cycle by evaporating water into the atmosphere, which then falls back to the ground as precipitation.

When a river dries up, the reduction in available water can disrupt the local water cycle, potentially leading to altered precipitation patterns in the region.

The drying up of a river can severely destroy local ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecological imbalances which can effect the climate patterns, Dr Brajakumar said, adding that, it can also increase desertification risk and worsen climate change of a region by reducing vegetation cover and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.

As river system played an important role in maintaining temperature, Brajakumar suggested that in order to mitigate climate change particularly of a region, conserving river is crucial.

Identification and conservation of recharge zones, afforestation in catchment areas, reducing speed of anthropogenic activities, regulating mining activities, conducting awareness campaigns and leaving the river beds undisturbed for at least 30 years can restore the river, he stated.

The drying up of Thongjaorok River serves as wake-up call to practice sustainable and responsible resource management.

Therefore, preserving and safeguarding natural resources should be a collective effort to fight climate change.

(The report is filed under the 4th state level media fellowship programme on climate change reporting under the sponsorship of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur) .


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 03, JUL 2023
  • Three more killed in pre-dawn strike by Kuki militants
  • Assam Rifles rescues five Meitei civilians
  • Rahul came, saw; Modi mum : Cong
  • Explosives seized at Jiri : PCR
  • Another case of systematic onslaught : COCOMI
  • Sit-in staged
  • Drive out Kuki militants : JCILPS
  • Kuki volunteers claim 'handed over'
  • SoO oufits call off highway blockade
  • CFJM voices concern
  • Lup urges CM to resolve conflict, not cause fissures among meira paibis
  • Mass tree plantation campaign commences under Vanmahotsav 2023
  • Sit-ins continue; effigies of PM, UHM and CM burnt
  • MTGS, peace committee, private citizens extend relief efforts
  • Alumni group felicitates meritorious students
  • Reception program held in honour of gold medallist
  • Sit-in protests, public meetings conducted at various places
  • Workshop on "Present unrest in Manipur: Its causes and solutions" concludes
  • Lukmai Sellup highlights lack of unity in current action plan
  • Committee on IMC Solid Waste Management condemns
  • Respect paid to victims of present violence
  • FEDS organises blood donation camp
  • Womenfolk stage sit-in
  • Nagaland CM Rio camping with Ministers : Likely to meet Shah on UCC, 'Eastern Nagaland'
  • Four killed, cop among two hurt in Kumbi clashes
  • KIM, ITLF dismiss CM Biren's claim
  • UPF-Zomi, ITLf clarify
  • Cong dubs as 'drama' CM's resignation attempt
  • Air India puts Imphal Airport in Lamka
  • TPC's Niranjan bags Rotary award
  • Armed Kukis occupy bunkers at Terakhongsangbi
  • Khoijumantabi incident handiwork of Narco-terrorists: COCOMI
  • Sit-ins back integrity call, denounce violence
  • CM advised to end crisis
  • Two Meeteis abducted in Moreh: SFs rescue five
  • Three arms, six bombs recovered, 217 curfew violators held
  • CFJM fears worsening of crisis situation
  • Torching of garbage vehicles condemned
  • Kakching honours meritorious students
  • Liquor, cough syrup, betel leaves destroyed
  • 'Ipan Thaba' ceremony held at relief camp
  • Effigies of Modi, Shah, Biren torched
  • Lukmai Sellup bats for opening Keithel
  • Biswajit to leave for Delhi today
  • Free eye camp held, aid extended
  • Sapam Robinhood's memorial site cleaned
  • Book 'Churachandpur Da khundariba Meiteishing* released
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Scientist of Manipur: R K Brojen Singh
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Brief sketch on General Balaram Sougaijamba
  • Non-violent for peaceful, mutual co-existence
  • Homeless person ..alcoholism & defeated TB
  • Cancer on rise among young adults
  • Defending, fighting for Idea of Manipur
  • From partiality to complicity
  • Bike Rally - Sekmai to Kangla : Gallery
  • 'Modi must announce finality of Naga pacts'
  • Gliding over Brahmaputra
  • Question leaks cause stress among student
  • Home remedies for prickly heat
  • After IIT, AIIMS it is now IIM
  • Stealing spotlight from Manipur crisis
  • Tarpon chaklen katpa @ Andro #2 : Gallery
  • Strongly condemns violence in Jiribam
  • Lessons from outcome of LS election
  • Tumcho releases "Goodness of God"
  • Right diagnostic for antimicrobial resistance
  • 12th June is World Day against Child Labour
  • Hands of geo-politics ?
  • The row over NEET-2014
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #1 : Gallery
  • Chilli Chicken: Film Spotlighting NE in B'lore
  • Committee of Narcotics Anonymous - Imphal
  • The Power of Meditation
  • Oceans as a career choice
  • Getting more and more audacious
  • A test of leadership
  • Education Fair @Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Gifting two seats to Cong
  • Voters empowered democracy
  • Postcards from Meghalaya premieres
  • Milk : Essential nutrient for a healthy body
  • Failing in competitive exam not end of world
  • Delhi : A mere spectator
  • Abandoning Jiribam
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #5
  • Ima Keithel flood- May 30 #2 : Gallery
  • Mainstream in Shoes of Alternative
  • Protect the medicines that protect us
  • Lets take action for our land & our future
  • Democracy and independent media
  • Agenda at work to shut Western Gate
  • Keeping Manipur on the boil
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #34: Download
  • The Enigmatic Journey of 'Laikhutshangbi'
  • Individual and the Social
  • An Ardent Appeal to All Concerns
  • Condemnation of Attack & Govt Inaction
  • The Power of Poppy - 34 :: Poem
  • Scientist of Manipur: Laishram Shanta
  • Alien fishes spotted in Manipur's rivers
  • Training on mushroom at Langthabal
  • Digital avatars or deepfakes ?
  • 7th June is the World Food Safety Day
  • How to prepare for UPSC after 10th ?
  • The Jiri violence
  • Beginning of a new vote culture ?
  • Bimol Akoijam (Cong) wins Inner PC : Gallery
  • BJP, NPF & other NDA pay heavy price
  • Nature is one of greatest blessings of God
  • Plantation drive in Tripura, Assam & Manipur
  • Summer beauty
  • Environment conservation & over-exploitation
  • Is Modi cut out for leading a coalition ?
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #2: Gallery
  • Scholarship for Johnstone Hr Sec students
  • 1st foundation day of Interfaith Forum
  • World Environment Day: Our land, our future
  • Indonesia stronger anti-tobacco measures
  • Navigating a fragile Myanmar: India's policy
  • New breed entering electoral politics
  • The road to formation of new govt
  • International Dance Day #1 : Gallery
  • Matchbox marketing mantra
  • Stop harming nature :: Poem
  • Saving for oneself & the Nation
  • Model United Nations (MUN) conducted
  • Tobacco: Threat to health & environment
  • Candidate from ruling party biting the dust
  • The verdict
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #4
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #3 : Gallery
  • Navigating Remal amidst Manipur conflict
  • We are #GenerationRestoration
  • Intl Day of Innocent Children Victims
  • Apparel Industry Skills & Innovation CoE
  • What's in a cyclone's name ?
  • Ongoing clash, the floods, the losses
  • Exit poll predictions
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #33: Download
  • Evading flood & rethinking urbanization
  • Manipur Flood: Health Advisory
  • Onus on civil bodies to ensure NNPG unity
  • Rats also cause flood
  • Benefits of JEE Main mock tests
  • People have spoken, now the results
  • The fury of Remal
  • Ima Keithel flood- May 30 #1 : Gallery
  • The flood in our Stars
  • The Power of Poppy - 33 :: Poem
  • 'Group of people misrepresented themselves'
  • EV industry and career options
  • Scientist of Manipur: Chandrakant Aribam
  • Candy flavoured traps to hook next Gen
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #2
  • Tobacco affects health & environment too
  • Jio extend validity for Customer in Manipur
  • Students must learn about AI irrespective
  • As vote count day approaches : Floods
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #2 : Gallery
  • Flooded : Sacrifice of Yairipok's Maiden
  • World No Tobacco Day 2024
  • Chandam Rishikanta wins NPC Nat'l C'ship
  • Flood: Helpline numbers for emergency
  • Battling body odour ?
  • Floods : Not entirely natural phenomena
  • PM Modi's purpose
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #1 : Gallery
  • June Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Flood: Control Rooms & Helpline numbers
  • Economic impact of ongoing conflict
  • Army Recruitment Rally for Manipur
  • Cut deficit, boom likely
  • Are Gods angry ? Wake up call for Manipur
  • Beating of the Retreat #2 : Gallery
  • We did Overcome: Mayhem of Month of May
  • Training on mushroom at Potshagbam
  • Famous female Mathematicians in India
  • Disinformation campaign thengnare
  • Human trafficking puts humanity to shame
  • Sky opens up in all its fury
  • Licypriya meets Italy PM & Pope Francis
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Combined Defence Services Exam 2024
  • Good show in Class X exams
  • Downplaying the crisis
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #3
  • Reviving Lamphelpat : Conservation : Gallery
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #1
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hojai
  • The Power of Poppy - 32 :: Poem
  • Insights from CUET-UG Counselling
  • International Day for Biological Diversity
  • Unseen force at work: Time to unravel it
  • Sheikh Hasina's revelation
  • The Vanishing Meitei Tribe
  • Building career in defence & strategic study
  • Why example of model code of conduct ?
  • Ownership of responsibility
  • Will pressure mount on key players in NE
  • How to save your foot after an accident
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #3 : Gallery
  • Education Fair @Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Project Associate @ CSE, Assam Univ
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Advancement in Multi Objective Optimization
  • When will women in voter list increase ?
  • Making 2 plus 2 is equal to 5
  • Changing face of drug menace
  • Scientist of Manipur: Jayanta Manoharmayum
  • 25 yrs since Atal Vajpayee visit to RIMS
  • 4 Lakhs donated to support (L) Maipak Family
  • Clarification: Guwahati Meet on Humanitarian
  • Start UPSC prep after 12th for success
  • Tips to avoid melting makeup in summer
  • Giving a big solid push to ST demand
  • Time to come clean
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #3
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #2 : Gallery
  • A year of hostilities
  • Licypriya Kangujam to travel to Italy
  • Declining moral standards in public life
  • Healthy democracy with independent media
  • Why endangered species matter to us
  • Significant Guwahati meeting : 1st visible step
  • The Pallel story
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #2 : Gallery
  • Ukhrul: Climate change grip on water supply
  • Commemoration of World Eld's Deer Day
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Dance of democracy, a miracle in making !
  • Learn to look 10/20/30 years hence
  • The zero FIR, zero lesson
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD