Itanagar: In observance of World Rivers Day, two NGOs, Youth Mission for Clean River and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, joined forces with the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Bini Yanga Government Women College Lekhi, to organize a river cleanup initiative along the Yagamso river stretch within the Changranagar area on Sunday.
This collaborative effort received support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited.
The dedicated volunteers exhibited their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation by tirelessly collecting more than 150 bags of waste and debris from the Yagamso River. The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness regarding the pivotal role that rivers play in the ecosystem and the urgent necessity to safeguard them.
Under the theme of this year’s World Rivers Day, ‘Rights of Rivers,’ Keyom Doni, the assistant coordinator of the Yagamso River Rejuvenation Project (YRRP), emphasized the profound significance of rivers within our ecosystem.
“Rivers serve as the lifeblood of our planet, nurturing diverse ecosystems, sustaining local communities, and providing us with indispensable resources. Nevertheless, they constantly face threats from pollution, overexploitation, and negligence. It is imperative that we acknowledge the critical importance of protecting rivers and recognizing their inherent rights as vital components of our ecosystem,” he said.
Doni stressed that rivers inherently possess the right to flow freely, remain uncontaminated, and support the diverse array of life dependent on them. The river cleaning drive was a tangible demonstration of the community’s commitment to upholding these rights.
In advocating for collective action against river pollution, Doni made a heartfelt appeal, stating, “Let us bear in mind that the choices and actions we make today will determine the condition of these lifelines for generations to come. Together, we possess the power to effect change and ensure the continued thriving of our precious rivers.”
Also read: Community spirit shines on Itanagar’s Yagamso River for World Forest Day cleanup
