₹100 Cr allocated for Imphal River rejuvenation
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 30 2025: Maintaining that the Nambul River Rejuvenation Project has improved the quality of water flowing into Loktak Lake by reducing river pollution, Environment & Climate Change principal secretary Arun Kumar Sinha on Monday announced an allocation of Rs 100 crore for a similar rejuvenation project for Imphal River.

Arun Sinha made the remarks during the closing function of the month-long observance of World Environment Day 2025, held at City Convention Centre, here.

The event was organised by the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, under this year's United Nations theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution Globally".

The principal secretary said that the government has been taking actions in line with its environmental policies, including recent measures to penalise the use of banned plastic products.

Over the past few days, the directorate has collected Rs 1 lakh in fines and seized about one tonne of single-use plastic, he said, stressing that such efforts must be supported by public awareness and participation.

Plastic bottles are a major problem, he said, citing the large volume of discarded bottles collected at Ithai Barrage during the recent floods.

"We must cultivate the habit of carrying reusable water bottles instead of purchasing bottled water," he stressed.

Replacing plastic bags with paper or fabric alternatives is a small yet impactful step toward curbing plastic pollution and preserving the environment for future generations, he added.

The bureaucrat officer reminded the public that an estimated 430 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated globally each year, with around 23 million tonnes entering rivers, lakes and oceans.

"In the state too, without timely intervention, these plastic wastes could severely degrade the natural ecosystem of Loktak Lake," he cautioned.

Arun Sinha called on all sections of society to support the campaign against plastic pollution.

He said that policy and programmes alone are insufficient, and small, collective actions from citizens are essential.

Referring to the pollution at Ithai Barrage, he termed plastic waste as the "biggest menace" today and reiterated the importance of preserving Loktak Lake from polluted inflows.

"The government is doing its part, but public cooperation is needed.

We must give a better life to future generations," he said, urging the people to transform the slogan of ending plastic pollution into action.

In his address, Environment & Climate Change director Dr T Brajakumar said that the month-long observance had witnessed participation from across the society in various action-oriented programmes.

He stated that while the total ban on plastic use may not be immediately possible, reducing demand and switching to alternatives like cloth or paper bags could help phase out plastic over time.

He also urged entrepreneurs to consider the environmental cost of importing plastic-based products.

According to Dr Brajakumar, the awareness competitions organised by the directorate had broadened environmental knowledge, providing the winners with an opportunity to compete at the national level.

"The directorate is working closely with Self Help Groups and other stakeholders to implement various environmental programmes," he informed.

As part of the closing event, MAHUD principal secretary RK Dinesh opened a poster competition and 3D model exhibition on environmental management and conservation for college and university students.

A cyclothon was also organised, starting from THAU Ground to the City Convention Centre.

Two hundred plastic bottle banks were distributed to Self Help Groups and colleges to help reduce plastic waste in their areas.

Awards were also presented to winners of different competitions organised during the month long observance.

Shirui Youth Club and ENFOGAL, both from Ukhrul district, were felicitated for collecting and recycling littered plastic bottles from the venue of the recently concluded Shirui Lily Festival 2025.Manipur Pollution Control Board member secretary Dr W Roshan, and Environment & Climate Change joint directors Ph Vivekananda Sharma and Neeta Arambam also attended the programme as guests of honour, along with directorate officials, teachers, environmental experts, SHG volunteers and students.

World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, is celebrated globally on June 5 each year.

First held in 1973, it is the largest international platform for environmental outreach.

This year's edition was hosted by the Republic of Korea.

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