NONGPOH: In a unique show of solidarity, sixteen villages in Ri Bhoi District have joined hands for a common cause, to conduct cleaning drive on two rivers which include Umran and Umlew.
Eight villages each took part in cleaning of both the Umran and Umlew rivers, separately. The drive was conducted with a humble initiative to make the river clean and also at the same time to set an example to other villages on the need to maintain cleanliness in the environment, especially rivers.
The two streams which flow near the Umroi Bypass and National Highway 6 respectively posed a great threat to the aquatic life due to rampant dumping of waste and other unused products by the people.
President of Wah Umlew River Protection Committee (WURPC), Braveman Nongrum said that the committee was deeply concerned as the river was getting polluted day by day as wastage were thrown into the river not just by the local people but the tourists alike.
We have strong hope that this kind of programme will create mass awareness amongst the local people and the tourists on the importance of protecting our environment” Nongrum said, adding that from now onwards the committee will take strong actions against anyone found throwing wastage in the river as they will strictly keep a vigil.
On the other hand, Belty Syiemlieh, President of Synroplang Umran River informed that the cleaning drive was part of the process to imbibe a sense of responsibility to the people to maintain cleanliness on streams and rivers.