Widespread concerns over plastic pollution at Nagaland’s Doyang dam

June 3, 2024 10 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Wokha | June 3

A recent viral video depicting a troubling scene at Doyang Dam, located in Wokha district of Nagaland, has sparked widespread concern over the escalating issue of plastic pollution in water bodies. Stakeholders point to improper waste disposal and other issues associated with the monsoon as contributing factors requiring mitigation.

Speaking with a section of the media her, P Thungchumo Shidio, Chairman of the Biodiversity Management Committee, Pangti, stated that the situation at Doyang Dam was ‘dire.’

During the monsoon, increased river flow carries plastic waste and tree logs from other districts, depositing them at Doyang Dam, submerging and destroying boats and nets of fishermen, as well as polluting marine life, he said.

Shidio further noted that when the monsoon season ends and the water recedes, the collected waste is washed ashore, contaminating the entire area.

Citing fishermen’s accounts, Shidio informed that at least 10 boats are now submerged in the river.

He also maintained that this is a regular occurrence, affecting not only the ecological cycle but also causing economic problems for fishermen, as their fishing nets, their only source of income and survival, get destroyed.

If this trend continues, he added, it will become a huge challenge for human and marine life in the next 10 to 15 years.

Shidio emphasided the need for immediate action and steps to mitigate the problem, appealing to concerned citizens to spread awareness and dispose of waste properly. He also voiced the desire for the government to establish a recycling plan at the dam.

In a separate discussion, Liponthung Lotha, Chairman of Aree Village, pointed out that waste accumulation at the Doyang reservoir occurs every year during the monsoon season, especially around June to July.

This not only affects humans but also causes difficulties for animals and birds, he noted.

Lotha recounted a recent incident where two deer were trapped while attempting to drink water, unable to be rescued due to the risk of getting stuck in the quicksand themselves.

Unfortunately, the deer were unable to be rescued by the people due to the risk of getting stuck in the quicksand, he informed.
He also expressed concern that although they want to address this issue and find solutions, it is too substantial for them to tackle alone.

Therefore, he appealed for government support to address the problem.