In a significant push for environmental conservation, volunteers in Itanagar successfully extracted a massive amount of waste from a key local river. The drive, held on Saturday, saw the removal of more than 1,800 kilograms of debris from the Yagamso river, specifically along the stretch near the AP Energy Park.
A Collective Effort for a Cleaner River
The cleanliness initiative was spearheaded by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR). The effort witnessed robust participation from various groups, including members of the Nyishi Students’ Union from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). Adding momentum to the cause, social media influencers like Shiva Tells and Deju Bayor also joined the drive, using their platforms to amplify the message. The collected waste was predominantly composed of household plastic items and discarded materials from building construction sites.
Sustainable Disposal and Segregation on Site
Moving beyond mere collection, the volunteers focused on ensuring environmentally responsible disposal. They meticulously segregated the waste right at the site. The non-biodegradable components, such as plastic and construction debris, were transported to a designated dumpsite for further processing. In a commendable step towards sustainability, the organic wet waste was composted in pits dug nearby. This method allows the waste to decompose naturally, ultimately enriching the soil quality of the area.
Leaders and Influencers Call for Public Action
YMCR convener Kanku Kabak expressed gratitude to all the volunteers and made a public appeal. He urged citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal habits in their daily routines to prevent such pollution. Creative department convener Mullu Dada encouraged participants to become ambassadors of change, spreading the crucial message of waste management within their own circles of family and friends.
Influencer Shiva Teall stressed on the fundamental solution of segregating waste at its source in every household. He emphasised the critical need for greater public awareness regarding the severe and lasting impacts of plastic pollution on river ecosystems. The YMCR has been actively campaigning for river conservation, with a special focus on the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), since its inception in 2016.
This large-scale cleanup drive serves as a powerful reminder of the collective action required to protect India's vital water bodies from the mounting threat of urban and plastic waste.
