Campaign against pollution launched

Imphal, February 25: Forest and environment minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today launched a campaign against pollution under the theme “save the future, pollution is controllable” at Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) office, Imphal West DC Office Complex, Lamphelpat.

As a part of the campaign the minister flagged off two rallies from the MPCB office complex. Four cyclists will tour Imphal, Jiribam and Hailakandi (Assam) and return back on same route on March 1 in the first rally. The second rally comprising bikers and cyclists will cover Lamphelpat, Moirang, Kakching, Thoubal and Oinam, carrying posters with different slogans.

MPCB is organising the campaign in association with the upcoming Tanglei festival to be held from March 2 to 5 at Tangleibung ground, Oinam. Shyamkumar said the campaign will be able to create mass awareness regarding ways and means to control the deteriorating natural environment of the state. The campaign is organised with an aim for developing all round capabilities for a clean pollution free environment, he added.

L. Radhakishore, chairman, MPCB said the board in an inquiry report found that pollution is caused mainly by the solid waste along with the smoke and noise from the over polluted vehicles plying in Imphal areas, mainly diesel autos in Khwairamband Keithel. He said around 2,000 autos are plying everyday in Imphal city. The state government has stopped issuing permit till March 1 as a part to solve the issue apart from continuous consultation with the experts. In the next stage, MPCB will take up necessary steps to solve the pollution of Nambul River and Loktak Lake, he added.

Oinam Sports Association is organising Tanglei festival in collaboration with MPCB. National and international experts will attend various programmes focusing on education, sports, culture and entrepreneurship. The events include quiz competition, debate, painting, open debate, rock concert – a band from Bangkok, Thailand will give performance, skateboarding competition, which will be the first ever longboarding competition in India. Mountain biking will have a place in the festival.