With the objective of conserving the Heirok River and keeping it free from pollution, volunteers of Environment Kanba Lup (EKL) on Thursday cleaned up a stretch of Heirok River from the area adjoining Heirok and Wangjing to Romeo Bal Vidya Mandir.
Seeking cooperation from the masses in keeping the river waters free from pollution, EKL requested the people to stop dumping waste into the river or its banks.
The cleaning activities began right from early morning during which members of EKL picked up the trash strewn on both sides of the road besides clearing up all the waste accumulated in the river. Several dumping sites were also constructed so that people can safely dispose of waste.
Members of Heirok JP T Nungshi Singh and pradhan Heirok part I Laishram Khamba also visited the site as a sign of encouragement, and they both contributed whatever aid they could provide for the river-cleaning activity.
Convenor of EKL, Laishram Jugol Meitei stated that EKL has been annually organising cleaning-up activities of Heirok River with the intention of keeping the river waters neat and clean, and the activity organised today was for this year.
Appealing to the locals inhabiting near the river banks not to throw waste into the river, Jugol stated the river has become a source of various illnesses as a result of people’s indifference. “Before a large-scale public health issue emerges, let us all reach a state of mutual understanding and keep the river waters clean,” he said.
Urging the masses to utilise the safe disposal sites constructed by EKL along the banks of the river, Jugol also conveyed gratitude to T Nungshi for his donation of the excavator used in the river-cleaning process. With special mention of Laishram Khamba who donated food and drinks, EKL also expressed appreciation to everyone who provided help.
T Nungshi said it is high time that all clubs and unions of Heirok come together and focus on cleaning up the river.
“Let us all strive to conserve Heirok River and stop dumping waste into the river,” he added.
