IT News
Imphal, Mar 16:
The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, joined forces to observe the International Day of Action for Rivers in Tairenpokpi, Imphal West, Manipur.
Under the theme “Water for All,” the event underscored the indispensable role rivers play in sustaining life and advocated for equitable access to clean water. Notable speakers, including Dr. Homen Thangjam from Indira Gandhi National Tribal University – Regional Campus Manipur, Worthing Horam, a Social Activist from New Tusom, Ukhrul District, and Dr. Atom Sunil Singh, Director of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, delivered enlightening keynote addresses. Special Guest Ningthoujam Victoria graced the occasion, with Mayanglambam Khelendra Singh, President of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, presiding over the event.
The gathering addressed Manipur’s water scarcity crisis, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong. Discussions delved into the adverse effects of river pollution and advocated for sustainable water management practices. Despite being nestled amidst lush hills and intersected by dynamic rivers, Manipur confronts an escalating water crisis, underscoring the paradoxical threat to its life-sustaining resources.
Instances such as the Leimakhong fuel leak epitomize the grave repercussions of pollution. Moreover, untreated sewage and agricultural runoff further contaminate rivers, rendering them unfit for consumption or agricultural use. Deforestation in catchment areas disrupts the natural water cycle, leading to diminished river flow and the drying up of springs. Erratic monsoon patterns exacerbate these challenges, resulting in water scarcity even outside monsoon seasons.
While infrastructure development is essential for progress, concerns arise regarding unintended consequences. For example, the new railway tunnel project in Tairenpokpi encroaches upon paddy fields, imperiling agriculture and potentially compromising food security.
A global call to action urged prioritization of river protection and restoration to uphold “Water for All” as a fundamental human right. Strategies for a sustainable water future were deliberated, including stringent regulations to curb river pollution, promotion of sustainable water management practices, investment in nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and afforestation, addressing water inequality, fostering international cooperation for shared river basin management, and enhancing public awareness for river conservation.
