From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Nov 15: In its ongoing mission to safeguard the environment, the Khooid Ya Ka Wah Myntdu (KYM) has made a clarion call for the repair of the drainage system in Myntdu river.
The appeal was made following an inspection carried out by the KYM, led by its president KL Pariat and supported by prominent figures like SK Lato.
They conducted a site visit to assess the condition of the in situ drains built to divert wastewater from Jowai into the Myntdu River.
The visit, joined by local leaders and youth volunteers, focused on monitoring these drainage systems, inactive for nearly two years.
Constructed in 2022 by the Urban Development Department and Jowai Municipal Board (JMB), the in situ drains span 11 streams across Jowai to channel wastewater away from the Myntdu River, thereby protecting it from contamination.
This initiative aimed to provide a sustainable and cleaner water source for the area.
Accompanied by H. Passah, Executive Engineer of JMB, the KYM team expressed concerns over the poor maintenance of these drainage channels and urged the state government to expedite necessary repairs. “We request the state government to promptly address this issue and restore the drains as committed. It has been two years, and we can’t delay any further,” stated SK Lato, a leader within KYM.
The KYM emphasised that proper upkeep of these drains is crucial to preserving the river’s ecosystem and providing clean water to Myntdu residents, including farmers in surrounding villages.
Effective maintenance could ensure that the drains fulfil their intended purpose of conserving the river, the group said.
During their inspection, the team also noted debris accumulation at a site used by JMB to modify vehicle sizes, which has led to contamination risks for the drains.
The KYM urged JMB’s CEO to clear the area to prevent further pollution.
Beyond government efforts, the KYM appealed to local residents and community leaders to adopt sustainable practices, discouraging the use of plastic bags in favour of cloth alternatives and stressing the importance of waste recycling.
“Improper waste disposal, including the accumulation of decomposing nuts, poses a serious threat to Myntdu’s water supply,” a KYM spokesperson stated.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the KYM warned that failure to act could result in severe consequences, including future water scarcity in the region.