Aizawl’s ambitious environmental initiative – Save The Riparian – kicked off its second phase, marking another significant step in the city’s effort to rejuvenate its waterways. The campaign, which focuses on cleaning gorges and rivers in Aizawl, embarked on its next leg from the Khatla locality, targeting the Tlawng Lui river, a crucial source feeding into the PHE Third Phase water supply centre.
Scheduled to span 30 days, this phase aims to address the pressing issue of river pollution that affects both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on these water sources. Save the Riparian Project Assistant Secretary Mali Hauhnar highlighted the challenges faced during the initial phase, where efforts were concentrated on cleaning two drains in Aizawl’s localities and installing garbage traps. However, adapting to evolving needs, the project seeks alternative solutions to address these issues effectively.
In the inauguration ceremony of the second phase, president Khatla Young Mizo Association or YMA Lalrimawia made encouraging remarks, stressing on the importance of community support in achieving the campaign’s objectives. Despite the initial discomfort of confronting the extent of pollution, he urged residents to view this effort as a collective challenge and reiterated Khatla’s commitment to the cause.
Mali echoed these sentiments, underlining the detrimental impact of garbage-laden drains on public health and the environment. Stressing the necessity of clean drains for a sustainable water supply, Mali appealed to the public to refrain from using drains as dumping grounds, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The Save the Riparian Project, launched on March 26, 2024, garnered support from various government departments and private volunteers during its initial phase. As it embarks on its next chapter, the initiative continues to garner momentum, driven by a shared vision of environmental stewardship and community well-being.
