The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur co-hosted the International Day of Action for Rivers on Thursday at Tairenpokpi, Imphal West.
The event was held 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, stated a release.
Faculty at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University - Regional Campus Manipur, Homen Thangjam; Social Activist from New Tusom, Ukhrul District, Worthing Horam; Director of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, Atom Sunil Singh; Ningthoujam Victoria and AIMS president, Mayanglambam Khelendra Singh were among those present at the event, it mentioned.
The event addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity in Manipur, particularly focusing on challenges posed by heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong, it said. Discussions highlighted the detrimental impact of river pollution and advocated for sustainable water management practices, it maintained.
It also briefed on Industrial accidents like the Leimakhong fuel leak, Deforestation in the catchment areas etc and also stressed on the crucial roles of infrastructure projects for progress. It went on to say that a call to action was issued to the global community, urging prioritisation of river protection and restoration to ensure ‘Water for All’ as a fundamental human right.
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, it added.
ALSO READ: 27th International Day of Action for River observed in Churachandpur
