OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: The cleaning of a stretch of river here marked the observance of World Dignity Day by two NGOs in collaboration with Dera Natung Government College (DNGC). Youth Mission for Clean River and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, in collaboration with the political science department of DNGC, conducted a river cleanup at the Yagamso River, near the APEDA office stretch, to mark the occasion. More than 100 undergraduate students actively participated in the cleanup, successfully removing over 550 bags of waste from the river. The initiative is part of the Yagamso River Rejuvenation Project (YRRP) and is supported by the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation.
Addressing reporters, YRRP assistant coordinator Keyom Doni shed light on the profound importance of rivers in the ecosystem and the pressing issue of pollution that threatens their dignity. He emphasized that rivers play an integral role in the environment, serving as vital assets that sustain not only ecosystems but also human livelihoods. He expressed his deep concern over the deliberate dumping of household and industrial waste into these life-giving water bodies, highlighting the detrimental effects on river health and the well-being of the community. Doni stressed the critical need for society to recognize rivers as invaluable resources deserving of the utmost respect and dignity. He urged for collective efforts towards their preservation and restoration. "Despoliation of our rivers, through the thoughtless disposal of waste, not only tarnishes their dignity but also undermines the broader ecological balance, thus endangering the welfare of both present and future generations," he said.
DNGC guest faculty member Chalak Lowang, who coordinated the event, underscored the pivotal role of youth and students in preserving the environment. She stressed the importance of providing students with hands-on experiences in conservation work, saying that youth and students must be at the forefront of safeguarding the rivers and the environment. "It is imperative to take them out of classrooms and immerse them in the real work of conservation," she added.
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