A viral video has sent shockwaves through the community, exposing the dire consequences of unchecked plastic pollution at Doyang Dam. The footage, which has sparked widespread concern, reveals an alarming accumulation of plastic waste, threatening the delicate ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Thungchumo Shidio, the Chairman of the Biodiversity Management Committee in Pangti, has sounded the alarm bells, emphasising the gravity of the situation. During the monsoon season, a deluge of plastic waste and tree logs from neighbouring districts is carried downstream, ultimately finding its way to the dam.
This accumulation has become a menace, damaging boats, shredding fishing nets, and polluting the very lifeblood of the marine ecosystem. The impact on the local fishermen, who rely on the waters for their survival, has been nothing short of devastating.
As the monsoon season draws to a close and the water level recedes, the true extent of the damage becomes apparent. The collected waste, once submerged, is now washed ashore, blanketing the area surrounding the dam in a suffocating layer of pollution.
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Shidio, visibly distressed, reported that fishermen have informed him of the submersion of approximately ten boats in a single day, a stark reminder of the relentless onslaught of plastic waste. He warned that if left unchecked, this trend could spell disaster for both human and marine life in the coming years.
Liponthung Lotha, the Chairman of Aree Village, shared a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the far-reaching consequences of this pollution. He recounted a case where two innocent deer, seeking to quench their thirst at the river’s edge, became entangled in the plastic waste.
Despite the best efforts of would-be rescuers, the risk of becoming trapped in the treacherous quicksand themselves rendered any attempt at saving the animals impossible. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the indiscriminate nature of plastic pollution and its impact on wildlife.
Both Shidio and Lotha have issued an impassioned plea for government intervention and public awareness, recognising that tackling this pressing environmental challenge requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
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Shidio, in particular, has called upon concerned citizens to become ambassadors of change, spreading awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and its critical role in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem. He expressed hope that the government would take decisive action, perhaps by establishing a recycling plan at the dam, to stem the tide of plastic pollution.
Lotha, acknowledging the scale of the problem, has admitted that it surpasses the village’s capacity to address alone. He has appealed to the government for assistance, recognising that confronting this critical issue requires resources and expertise beyond the scope of local communities.
As the plastic waste accumulation at Doyang Dam continues to threaten the ecosystem, marine life, and the livelihoods of those who call this region home, it is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken.
The clock is ticking, and the stakes could not be higher. It is up to us, as a society, to rise to the challenge and protect the natural resources that sustain us all. The time for action is now, before it is too late.
