Thoubal River runs at a turbidity as high as Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) 400 even after World Water Day was held globally under the theme “Water for Peace”. Thoubal River Conservation Committee (TRCC) and People for Animals Manipur found out the turbidity of the river while checking the presence of suspended particles in water.
According to an order by Manipur High Court as per 5 PILs in 2019, no illegal sand mining in the rivers of Manipur, including Thoubal River, were to be carried out but the condition of the river has failed to improve even after five years.
People who have been deprived of their source of income due to the ongoing violence have been facing water scarcity as the river water runs at 400 NTU.
Thoubal River Conservation Committee (TRCC) is ready to file contempt of court against Thoubal, Imphal East district police, district administration and commerce and industry department if the authorities concerned fail to look into the condition of the river for the welfare of the people.
More than three lakh people of Andro, Heirok, Wangkhem, Thoubal and Wabagai assembly constituencies have been facing water scarcity due to the deteriorating condition of the river. TRCC have been trying their best to protect the river in its original form since the last five years and have also submitted numerous memorandums to the authorities concerned of the government and ministers to save the river.
TRCC has even called a statewide general strike and also submitted a PIL to the Manipur High Court on January 24, 2019 to help save the river. The court has also released numerous interim orders to safeguard the rivers of Manipur. The main reasons for the deteriorating condition of the river is due to sand mining from the depths of the river.
It may also be mentioned that as per a circular by the Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur on July 7, 2022, a police officer should lead a team of security personnels within their jurisdiction to monitor mining activities and the survey reports must be submitted to the Dedicated Police Task Force (DPTF) for its respective districts. Questions are being raised if any action or initiatives have been taken up by the head of DPTF according to the monthly compliance reports submitted to the Police head quarter.
The government has also started a scheme for the welfare of the sand miners of Thoubal district who lost their source of income and have also provided benefits to them. It also urged to continue providing benefits for the sand miners who have not benefited from the scheme.
More than 3 lakh people of Andro, Heirok, Wangkhem, Thoubal and Wabagai and animals have been dependent on the Thoubal River for water and most of the commercial and water supplies under the government also used the water from the river. The river has also been providing drinking water at various areas of Imphal east and west districts. So, it is high time for the people of the state and the authorities concerned to take up initiatives to find ways to save Thoubal River as other important rivers of the state are also in a deteriorating condition.
It may also be recalled that Thoubal River recorded a very high turbidity when checked by a team of Peoples for Animal Manipur. The main cause of the presence of suspended particles in the river is due to sand mining from the upper side of the river and which leads to a low survival rate of the underwater animals in the river.
The neglected river, similar to a drain, still runs lifeless as it is the dry season now and fewer people are using the river water as it runs on a dangerous level of NTU. People still hope for a clean and clear Thoubal river leaving all faith to the government to look into the condition of the river.
