NONGPOH: Sixteen villages in Ri Bhoi district have joined hands to clean the Umran and the Umlew rivers.
Two groups, each comprising volunteers from eight villages, cleaned the rivers on Sunday setting an example for other villages to follow. The Umran flows near the Umroi bypass and the Umlew near NH-6. The cleaning drive was an important initiative as rampant dumping of waste into the river by locals and tourists has threatened the aquatic life.
Braveman Nongrum, the president of Wah Umlew River Protection Committee (WURPC), said the committee was deeply concerned as the river was being polluted.
“We hope that this kind of programme will create mass awareness among locals and tourists on the importance of protecting our environment,” Nongrum said, adding that the committee will keep a vigil and take action against anyone throwing garbage into the river.
Belty Syiemlieh, the president of Synroplang Umran River, said the cleaning drive was part of the process to instill a sense of responsibility in people.
