RWUS and Women’s Organizations lead Cleaning Drive and Celebrate International Day of Action for Rivers 2020 in Churachandpur

RWUS and various Women CBO’s and CSO’s of Churachandpur celebrated the 23rd International Day of Action for Rivers on 14th March, 2020. The event was observed with a short program at RWUS Training Hall and was followed by an action campaign through posters and a cleaning drive at 13 different streams located in various diverse villages.

The event saw the participation of 1000 participants, including different CSO’s/CBO’s, WinG promoters, Women Environment Promoters and NGO’s partners. Local print media and Press also played a vital role in the coverage of the program, helping to spread awareness on the importance of rivers/streams and their protection through their local cable network and newspaper to the general public across the district.

The program was split into two sessions, the first of which was held at RWUS Training Hall with resource persons and special invitees. The second session involved action/social work through collective efforts by cleaning up Chiengkawn stream with the assistance of a JCB Excavator and Tripper Truck to dump the trash collected by the participants and JCB Excavator. The program lasted from 10:30 A.M till 6 P.M.

During the first session, Ms. Joycee Misoa, an Internship at RWUS, hosted the program, which started with an introduction of the program, special invitees, as well as the resource persons. Mrs. Mary Beth Sanate, Chief functionary, RWUS, presented the keynote address, highlighting the theme of the United Nations for the International Days of Action for Rivers, which is “Women, Water and Climate Change”.

Honorable ADC Chairman, Pu T. Paukhanlian, was the chief guest, and Pu Thangboi Gangte MCS, Addl.DC, CCpur, was the guest of honor. Ms. Hasby Haokip MPS, Addl. SP/IUCAW, CCpur, and Mr. John Thanglienmang Singson EE, PHED, CCpur, were other special invitees.

During his speech, the Chairman expressed concern about the reckless and irresponsible attitude of the general public when disposing of waste, thereby rendering water resources unusable. He commended RWUS for taking up the initiative to observe the International Day of Action for Rivers and suggested that a proper study be conducted on the condition of rivers and streams and their impact on health.

After the discussion, the program concluded with a vote of thanks and a closing prayer by the host, followed by light refreshments. The Chief Guest flagged off the cleaning drive program, which started in the afternoon at 12 p.m. The cleaning drive was conducted at 13 different streams located in various villages of the CCpur district, and the waste collected was carried away by a tripper truck to the dumping site 25km away from the main town Lamka.

The cleaning drive was completed successfully and wrapped up in the evening around 6 pm. RWUS thanked all the partners and sponsors who supported the event, making it a meaningful intervention.