PASIGHAT, July 13: Over 25,000 kilograms of garbage were removed from the Pane Krong River during a mass clean-up effort in the Banskota area in Pasighat on Saturday.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and Rengging Baane Yameng Kebang (RBYK), with the active participation of over 150 volunteers.
Participating in the event, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang praised the YMCR’s efforts, acknowledging the significant awareness they have raised by coming from Itanagar to address the pollution in Pasighat.
"This initiative serves as a wake-up call for the people of Pasighat," Darang said, adding, "We must learn from such cleanup drives about the severe environmental impact of the waste we generate."
He urged the Pasighat Municipal Council commissioner and executive engineer to take immediate and tangible actions to tackle river pollution and waste management.
"It's crucial for the local community to maintain the cleanliness of our rivers and streams," he emphasized.
"Proper waste management and reducing plastic use in daily life are essential steps," Darang added.
The MLA also highlighted the long-term benefits of such initiatives.
"A clean environment not only enhances the beauty of our town but also promotes health and well-being among our citizens. We need to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility and pass this legacy on to future generations," he said.
He also praised the volunteers and organisations involved in the drive.
RBYK representative Dr Kombong Darang stressed that the responsibility for maintaining clean rivers lies with every individual and not just with specific organizations.
"Every individual must contribute to keeping our environment clean," he said.
"It's not enough to rely on occasional cleanups; we need to adopt a sustainable lifestyle that reduces waste at the source. Our community must take ownership of this issue and work together to protect our rivers for future generations," he said.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the rivers, Dr Darang said, "Our rivers are the lifeblood of our community, both environmentally and culturally. Preserving them is preserving our heritage."
Giidang Angong Society spokesperson Tobom Dai, praised YMCR for their role in raising public awareness about river pollution across the state.
"The waste we removed today comes from our own households," he said, adding, "By managing and reducing this waste, we can ensure a cleaner and healthier Pasighat."
Dai emphasized the importance of community engagement in environmental conservation.
"The future of our rivers and environment depends on the active participation of each one of us. We need to adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives to mitigate the impact of pollution," he added.
He also highlighted the broader impact of river pollution on public health and the ecosystem.
"Polluted rivers are not just an environmental issue; they are a public health crisis. Clean water is essential for our survival, and we must do everything in our power to protect it. Our actions today will determine the quality of life for future generations," Dai added.
East Siang District Legal Services Authority’s (DLSA) Retaining Lawyer Advocate Sunny Tayeng , YMCR chairman SD Loda also spoke.
A plantation drive was also conducted at Independent Golden Jubilee Government Higher Secondary School after the clean-up drive.
The event was supported by various Pasighat-based organizations, including the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang, Women Against Social Evil, Arunachal Pradesh University Students’ Union, Giidang Angong Society, Nyishi Students’ Union East Siang, Hills Society, Magic Club-East Siang unit, and East Siang District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).