Kangpokpi Forest department along with District Police and Kangpokpi CSOs organised a cleanliness drive along Koubru Laikha stretch of Imphal River, in continuation of the ‘Clean Imphal River Campaign’ that was launched at Kangpokpi town on September 29.
Around 25 people from Forest, Police and CSO members took part in the drive, stated a release issued by range forest officer Kangpokpi Forest Division Neitinkim on Monday.
The spot was selected as it is a popular picnic spot and a lot of littering takes place around the area, it stated. The litter was collected, heaped and disposed of, it stated.
Divisional forest officer, Kangpokpi Forest Division N Ganesh highlighted the importance played by rivers in the state, it mentioned. He stated that Imphal valley is entirely dependent on rivers flowing from the hills, it stated.
He said it is highly important that these rivers be given proper attention to prevent water scarcity in the future, it stated. He further said that the protected rivers improve water quality, providing a safe place for recreation, and clean sources of drinking water.
By improving safe access to local rivers, communities are also able to experience the benefits of recreation, he mentioned. He appealed to the public not to throw garbage or litter river banks and to be responsible picnickers.
He reminded that it is the duty of all to look after earth’s resources, it added.