Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14 2024: The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, proudly co-hosted the International Day of Action for Rivers on Thursday at Tairenpokpi, Imphal West.
The Day was celebrated on the theme, "Water for All" emphasising the crucial role rivers play in sustaining life and the urgent need to ensure equitable access to clean water, said a release.
It was attended by Dr Homen Thangjam, Faculty at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University-Regional Campus Manipur; Worthing Horam, social activist from New Tusom, Ukhrul District; and Dr Atom Sunil Singh, director of AIMS Manipur among others.
The event presided by Mayanglambam Khelendra Singh, president of AIMS Manipur, addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity in Manipur, particularly focusing on challenges posed by heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong.
Discussions highlighted the detrimental impact of river pollution and advocated for sustainable water management practices.
Devastating impacts of pollution caused by industrial accidents like the Leimakhong fuel leak, untreated sewage & agricultural runoff, deforestation in catchment areas, infrastructure projects, etc were also highlighted.
A call to action was also issued to the global community, urging prioritisation of river protection and restoration to ensure "Water for All" as a fundamental human right.
Further, crucial strategies for a sustainable water future were explored, including implementing stricter regulations to prevent river pollution, promoting sustainable water management practices, investing in nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and afforestation, addressing water inequality, fostering international cooperation for shared river basin management, and raising public awareness for river conservation.