Aizawl launches second phase of ambitious gorge and river cleanup initiative

Aizawl embarks on the next stage of its ambitious endeavor to rejuvenate its gorges and rivers as the “Save The Riparian” initiative kicks off its second phase. Commencing from the bustling Khatla locality, this phase marks a concerted effort towards restoring the pristine beauty of Aizawl’s water bodies. The focus of this phase centers on the thorough cleaning of the Tlawng Lui river, a vital source that feeds into the PHE Third Phase water supply center. Over the course of 30 days, volunteers and organizers are set to tackle the daunting task of ridding the river of accumulated debris and pollutants.

Mali Hauhnar, Assistant Secretary of the Save the Riparian project, reflected on the achievements of the inaugural phase, which saw a vigorous cleanup effort targeting drains in two key localities of Aizawl. Despite the initial success, challenges persist, prompting the need for innovative solutions to address ongoing issues. Flagging off the commencement of the second phase, Lalrimawia, President of Khatla Young Mizo Association (YMA), emphasized the transformative impact of the project on the local community.

Acknowledging the temporary discomfort caused by the cleanup process, Lalrimawia rallied residents to embrace the initiative as a collective challenge and pledged unwavering support from the Khatla locality. Mali reiterated the urgency of the cleanup efforts, citing the detrimental effects of pollution on both the environment and livelihoods dependent on the rivers. She urged the public to refrain from using drains as dumping grounds, emphasizing the pivotal role of clean waterways in fostering a healthy community.