Kh. Nobin Singh, J. - (1.) This PIL was taken up by this Court on the basis of a letter dated 24-01-2019 addressed to the Hon'ble the Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur by the Thoubal River Conservation Committee, Thoubal. Their grievances are inter-alia that this Thoubal River has been feeding a large number of villages with water since the time immemorial but because of the sand mining, the river is running muddy and turbid rendering its water inconsumable for the people. Its turbid water obstructs sunlight from reaching the bottom of the river resulting in the death of plant and zooplankton and their decaying remains attract bacteria making the water rot and smelly. The biological, chemical and geographical structures of the river get severely damaged. The polluted water makes the people prone to water borne diseases. Despite their repeated requests being made to the concerned authorities, had fallen on their deaf ears. Accordingly, this Court was approached with certain prayers as detailed in the letter.
(2.) On 13-02-2019 when this PIL came up for consideration, this Court, while issuing notice to the respondents, admitted it. On 14-05-2019 when this PIL was listed again, the learned Advocate General prayed for some time to prepare an affidavit, which was duly granted by this Court. Today, this PIL was listed again for further proceedings but it was not clear to this Court as to whether all the respondents had been served with the notice or not. But Shri S. Rupchandrda, the learned Addl. Advocate General appeared for the State respondents; Shri S. Suresh, the learned ASG appeared for the respondent No.10, Union of India and Shri N. Ibotombi, learned Senior Advocate appeared for the respondent No.3, Manipur Pollution Control Board.
(3.) In view of the importance of the issue involved herein, Shri A. Mohendro, Advocate and Ms. Harichhaya, Advocate are appointed as amicus curaie to assist the court.;