Waste pile-up at Doyang dam raises concerns

WOKHA — An accumulation of waste at the Doyang dam reservoir has become a common occurrence, which the heavy rainfall carries downstream, eventually halting at the spillway or gates of the dam.

This year, like previous ones, witnessed a substantial heap of garbage, consisting primarily of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic waste, polystyrene (commonly known as thermocol), and single-use plastic bottles.

Lack of facilities, improper waste management practices, and a general lack of civic responsibility among individuals contribute to the stationary presence of waste during the dry season.

Speaking with Eastern Mirror, P Roland Ezung, general secretary of the Doyang Land Owners’ Union (LOU), Rhanbemo Odyuo, president of the Doyang Hydro Power Station Land Owners’ Union, and Longshibemo Odyuo, secretary of the Thillong Village Development Board, expressed concern about the situation

They informed that while cleanliness drives are occasionally conducted by students and local residents, the significant amount of waste brought down during heavy rain becomes a cause for alarm.

Longshibemo mentioned that in 2020, they hired two heavy trucks to transport plastic recyclables to Assam at no cost.

People in the area note that since Doyang has become a tourist destination, many visit the dam and engage in picnicking at the site. However, there is a lack of basic amenities to serve the needs of the people, particularly a proper waste disposal area. As a result, improper waste disposal is widely seen.

Appealing for proper waste disposal with adequate facilities, they urged the state government to initiate developmental programmes in the area. They emphasised the importance of maintaining positive reviews and attracting tourist inflow to the state.

Highlighting that major tourist sites like Doyang reservoir require eco-friendly waste management and basic amenity centres, they stressed that these necessities are currently lacking and require immediate attention.

A fisherman for the past 20 years, N Lotha, informed Eastern Mirror that during the first monsoon season each year, there is a large accumulation of plastic waste arriving from upstream, causing damage to the fishing nets.

He stated that it has become a significant challenge, noting that people who rely on the river for their livelihood waste time re-establishing and setting nets. Furthermore, the expense of replacing and purchasing new nets places a significant strain on them.