Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, January 11 2024: Thoubal district deputy commissioner Ahanthem Subhash on Thursday launched the poster campaign for 'Save Heirok/Wangjing River & Clean Water', which is to be organised jointly by Heirok-based Ningol Club, ECO Network, Development Club, Women Development Committee, River Protection Task Force and Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Programme (EIACP) Hub under Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

The launch programme held at Heirok Part-II Laimayum community hall was attended by DC Subhash as chief guest and Ningol Club president Sophiya Khundongbam as functional president while PHED Thoubal Division executive engineer Athokpam Barun, EIACP Hub coordinator Dr L Bijen Meitei, Heirok Apunba Lup convener Roshan Thaonaojam, Heirok River Protection Task Force member Ningthoujam Sanjit, and Heirok Development Club general secretary Hijam Dinesh were the guests of honour.

SJ Plastic Agency proprietor Sadokpam Itombi Singh and Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS), Manipur general secretary Angom Punil spoke as resource persons on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Subhash commended the Heirok youths for envisioning the campaign aimed at keeping the rivers clean.

Reminding all concerned that river is life and that polluting the river will be detrimental to every aspect of life and livelihood, the DC pointed out that there were little use for fan or air conditioner in the state few decades back unlike at present where life is uncomfortable without electricity-operated cooling appliances.

As such, it is imperative that everyone contribute towards protecting the environment at-least for the future generation, he said.

Pointing out that imposition of ban on use of plastic is yet to fructify as the general consumers have no alternative, he suggested that local self-help groups start producing paper bags as replacement for plastic carry bags while assuring that the district administration will provide all possible assistance.

The DC also revealed about a proposal for setting up designated place in each locality under Municipality or Nagar Panchayat for collection of garbage.

On the other-hand, Subhash lamented that some people are reluctant to pay Rs 100 as fees for the service of garbage collection and proper disposal by the municipality but do not hesitate spending the same amount of money in wasteful activities.

In case, public have any complaint regarding efficiency about waste collection, they should report same so that appropriate measures and action could be initiated, he assured.

During the event, DC Thoubal also provided monetary assistance from his side for purchase of material components required by organisations of Heirok to keep the rivers clean, while also assuring of providing further aid in future for the success of the campaign.