Rejuvenation or Deception? The State of Nambul River

Minister Th. Biswajit Singh recently hailed the success of the Nambul River Rejuvenation Project and announced sanctioned funds for the Imphal-Kongba River Rejuvenation Project, alongside plans to develop several other critical water bodies in Manipur. These include Yuvraj Palli, Akampat, Takhok, Ushoipokpi, and Ashei Loukhong Matai, among others. While the announcements sound promising, the ground reality of the so-called “success” of the Nambul River project paints a very different picture. Is this success limited only to building decorations, beautification, and erecting structures along the riverbanks when the entire river is polluted?
Nambul River, which flows through the heart of Imphal, remains a glaring example of unchecked pollution and mismanagement. Far from being rejuvenated, it continues to run black, carrying untreated drain water and solid waste from the city. One cannot help but ask: Where is the success that the Minister so confidently proclaims?
For years, the Nambul River has been a critical lifeline for Manipur, historically serving as a source of water and a transport route. Over time, urbanization and poor waste management have turned it into little more than a polluted channel. Efforts to rejuvenate the river have been underway for several years, with significant funds allocated and projects launched under governmental schemes.
Yet, despite these efforts, the river remains a visual and ecological disaster. A stroll along its banks in Imphal reveals the stark truth: untreated wastewater continues to pour into the river, garbage clogs its flow, and its foul odor permeates the air. These realities beg the question: What exactly does the government mean by “rejuvenation”?
The government’s narrative of success is not just misleading—it risks eroding public trust. By claiming victory prematurely, the administration diverts attention from the systemic issues that plague such initiatives. Effective river rejuvenation involves more than symbolic gestures and periodic clean-up drives. It requires a comprehensive and sustained approach that addresses the root causes of pollution, such as untreated sewage, industrial waste, and encroachments.
Moreover, the government’s reluctance to acknowledge the river’s current state undermines its credibility. While announcing funds for the Imphal-Kongba River and other water bodies, the authorities must first demonstrate measurable outcomes from the Nambul project. Transparency is crucial: how were the allocated funds utilized, what specific measures were implemented, and why do the results remain so underwhelming?
At the core of this issue lies the need for honest and accountable leadership. Manipur’s rivers and water bodies are not just natural resources—they are integral to the state’s cultural heritage and ecological balance. The government has a responsibility to protect and restore them, not through hollow claims but through meaningful action. Minister Th. Biswajit Singh and his administration must take a hard look at the realities on the ground and recalibrate their approach. Instead of declaring premature victories, they should focus on building trust with the public by delivering tangible results.
If the government is serious about its commitment to environmental conservation, it must start by addressing the glaring failures of the Nambul River project. This involves admitting that the river is far from rejuvenated and taking decisive steps to rectify the situation. At the same time, the lessons learned must inform the planning and execution of future initiatives, such as the Imphal-Kongba project. The government must foster collaboration with environmental experts, civil society organizations, and local communities. Rejuvenating Manipur’s rivers is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of all stakeholders.
Finally, the administration must adopt a results-oriented approach, with clear benchmarks and timelines for each project. Only by demonstrating measurable progress can the government hope to restore public confidence and inspire a collective commitment to environmental conservation.