Itanagar: In commemoration of World Dignity Day, two prominent NGOs, Youth Mission for Clean River and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose, joined forces with the department of political science at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) to execute a river cleanup initiative along the Yagamso River situated in the vicinity of the APEDA office stretch.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 100 undergraduate students who collectively removed more than 550 bags of waste from the river.
This collaborative effort is an integral component of the Yagamso River Rejuvenation Project (YRRP) and has garnered essential support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation.
During a media briefing, Keyom Doni, the assistant coordinator of YRRP, shed light on the profound significance of rivers within our ecosystem and the urgent concern of pollution, which poses a significant threat to their dignity.
Doni underlined the pivotal role of rivers in our environment, emphasizing that they serve as critical assets that not only sustain ecosystems but also support human livelihoods.
He expressed deep apprehension regarding the deliberate disposal of household and industrial waste into these life-sustaining water bodies, underscoring the detrimental impact on river health and community well-being.
Doni stressed the pressing need for society to acknowledge rivers as invaluable resources that merit the utmost respect and dignity, calling for collective efforts in their preservation and restoration.
“The degradation of our rivers, resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal, not only tarnishes their dignity but also disrupts the broader ecological equilibrium, thereby jeopardizing the welfare of present and future generations,” he said.
Chalak Lowang, a guest faculty member at DNGC, who coordinated the event, underscored the crucial role of youth and students in environmental preservation.
She emphasized the necessity of providing students with hands-on experiences in conservation work.
“Youths and students must take the lead in safeguarding our rivers and the environment. It is imperative to take them out of the classrooms and immerse them in the practical aspects of conservation,” Lowang said.
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