Imphal: Several residents in Manipur’s Thoubal district staged a massive rally to raise awareness about environmental protection.
Organized by the North Eastern Environmental Protection Committee, the rally focused on the detrimental effects of quarrying activities on local rivers.
Held under the banner “Stop Desertification of Green Fields,” the rally commenced at Nongpok Sekmai NESA ground and culminated at Ukhongsang Kangjeibung Lampak.
Also Read: Assam and Meghalaya Brace for heavy rainfall till June 20
Participants, including students and Meira Paibis (Manipuri womenfolk), actively displayed placards with messages like “No Water No Life”, “Save Water Save Environment”, and “Stop quarry activities at river sources, hills.”
Ningthoujam Ibemhal Devi, a prominent Meira Paibi leader, highlighted the negative consequences of quarrying near the Engourok, Kakmayai, and Ningen rivers.
Also Read: Assam Congress asserts unity among INDIA bloc for upcoming panchayat polls
She pointed out concerns like water pollution, ecological imbalance, and potential depletion of water sources for the surrounding villages. These villages, including Nongpok Sekmai, Sikhong, and Kakmayai, rely heavily on these rivers for their daily needs.
Devi urged all stakeholders to halt quarrying activities in the region to preserve the ecological balance and safeguard vital water sources.
She called for support from both the government and civil society organizations to amplify the community’s environmental efforts.