ITANAGAR, 28 Jul: A concerted effort to clean up the Yagamso River was undertaken on Sunday by NGOs Youth Mission for Clean River and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited, to mark the World Nature Conservation Day.
The drive focused on the stretch near Waii apartments in Abo Tani Colony.
Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom joined the initiative, and expressed grave concern over the river’s deteriorating condition due to rampant garbage dumping. He advocated a collective approach to maintain the river’s cleanliness.
Shocked at seeing toilets and sewage pipes directly discharging into the river, along with slaughterhouse waste being dumped, the deputy commissioner sought “a detailed report on the culprits.”
He assured to take strict action, including serving notices and summons, against those polluting the river.
Approximately 840 kilograms of waste were removed during the cleanup.
In recognition of their consistent efforts towards river conservation, five dedicated volunteers were honoured with the YMCR insignia ‘We’re Riverlutionaries’ and T-shirts. These individuals were also designated as ambassadors to promote the mission of the YMCR and river conservation.
The awardees are Tana David, Riya Avinash, Kabak Teli, Sunil Tallang, and Chera Sita.
Explaining the significance of the insignia, YMCR creative director Mullu Dadda stated, “Riverlutionaries is a fusion of ‘river’ and ‘revolutionaries,’ symbolising individuals spearheading a revolutionary change in river conservation.
“It represents those actively involved in cleaning and protecting rivers, emphasising our collective goal of creating a profound and transformative impact on river ecosystems. This serves as an inspiration for others to join the cause,” Dadda said.
