The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Manipur Chapter, and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, proudly co-hosted the International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14, 2024, in Tairenpokpi, Imphal West, Manipur.

This year’s theme, “Water for All,” emphasised rivers’ crucial role in sustaining life and the urgent need to ensure equitable access to clean water.

Distinguished guests, including Dr. Homen Thangjam, Faculty at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University – Regional Campus Manipur, Worthing Horam, Social Activist from New Tusom, Ukhrul District, Manipur, and Dr. Atom Sunil Singh, Director of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, delivered keynote addresses. Ningthoujam Victoria as Special Guest. The event was presided over by Mayanglambam Khelendra Singh, President of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur.

The event addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity in Manipur, particularly focusing on challenges posed by heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong. Discussions highlighted the detrimental impact of river pollution and advocated for sustainable water management practices. Manipur, a state located amidst verdant hills and crisscrossed by vibrant rivers, faces a growing water crisis. This irony underscores the complex challenges threatening the very resource that sustains life and livelihoods.

Industrial accidents like the Leimakhong fuel leak highlight the devastating impact of pollution. Untreated sewage and agricultural runoff further contaminate rivers, rendering them unusable for drinking or irrigation.

Deforestation in the catchment areas disrupts the natural water cycle. This leads to the drying up of springs and reduced river flow. Unpredictable monsoon patterns exacerbate the problem, creating periods of water scarcity even during non-monsoon months.

While infrastructure projects are vital for progress, concerns are rising about unintended consequences. The new railway tunnel project in Tairenpokpi, for instance, disrupts paddy fields, impacting agriculture and potentially jeopardizing food security.

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.

This International Day of Action for Rivers serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect these vital resources. By standing united, we can ensure that our rivers continue to flow freely for generations to come.

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