IN RE PRESERVATION OF THOUBAL RIVER Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This PIL was taken up by this court on the basis of a letter dtd. 24/1/2019 addressed to the Hon'ble the Chief Justice High Court of Manipur by the Thoubal River Conservation Committee, Thoubal.

(2.) 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 as detailed in the letter.

(3.) On 2/7/2019, this court appointed Shri A. Mohendro, Advocate and Ms. Harichhaya, Advocate as amicus curiae to assist the court.