Residents and women’s groups in Manipur’s Imphal East district staged a protest on May 15 against alleged large-scale earth cutting at Leimaching hill near the Nongmaiching forest range. The demonstration took place at the foothills of Leimaching and was organised by the Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup along with local Meira Paibis. Protesters claimed that unregulated excavation activities are damaging the environment and threatening the local ecosystem. They urged the government to immediately stop all earth cutting operations and reveal who authorised the excavation work. The groups also submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner demanding urgent intervention.
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Key Facts
- Location: Leimaching foothills, Imphal East district, Manipur
- Date of Protest: May 15
- Organisers: Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup and Meira Paibis
- Main Issue: Alleged large-scale earth cutting at Leimaching hill
- Environmental Concern: Damage to ecosystem and climate balance
- Main Demand: Immediate halt to excavation activities
- Memorandums Submitted To: Chief Minister and Imphal East Deputy Commissioner
- Protest Slogan: “Save Leimaching Save Environment to Protect Ecosystem”
Residents Protest Against Earth Cutting at Leimaching
Residents and local women’s groups in Imphal East district organised a protest at the foothills of Leimaching hill to oppose ongoing earth excavation activities.
The demonstration drew participants from villages located near the Nongmaiching forest range. Protesters carried placards demanding environmental protection and immediate government action.
The protest was jointly organised by the Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup and local Meira Paibis.
Protesters Raise Environmental Concerns
During the protest, residents alleged that continuous and unregulated earth cutting at Leimaching hill has caused serious environmental damage.
According to the protesters, the excavation threatens the local ecosystem and may permanently alter the natural structure of the hill.
Demonstrators urged the authorities to immediately stop all earth cutting activities and review the permissions granted for excavation work.
Questions Raised Over Legality of Excavation
Speaking during the protest, Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup Secretary Pangambam Anita questioned the legality of the ongoing excavation.
She said local communities have protected the hill for many years and would not allow its destruction.
Anita also stated that several awareness programmes on environmental protection and climate change have already taken place in the area. However, she claimed that excavation activities continue despite growing public concern.
Furthermore, she argued that authorities should source soil for development projects from authorised locations instead of protected hills maintained by local villagers.
Memorandums Submitted to Authorities
The protesters informed that they have already submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner seeking immediate intervention.
They demanded that the government publicly disclose who authorised the earth cutting and revoke any permissions granted for excavation at Leimaching hill.
Additionally, protesters warned that continued excavation could severely damage the area’s ecological balance and natural environment.
Importance of Hills and Forests in Manipur
Environmental activists at the protest highlighted the importance of hills and forests in maintaining clean air, biodiversity, and climate balance in Manipur.
They stressed that preserving natural landscapes remains essential for ecological stability and sustainable development in Northeast India.
Importance of Imphal East in Northeast India
Imphal East district plays an important role in Manipur’s environmental and ecological landscape because it includes forest ranges, hills, and biodiversity-rich regions. Environmental conservation in the area is considered vital for maintaining ecological balance across Northeast India.
Question and Answer Section
Why did residents protest at Leimaching hill?
Residents protested against alleged large-scale earth cutting and environmental damage at Leimaching hill.
Who organised the protest?
The protest was organised by the Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup along with local Meira Paibis.
What are the protesters demanding?
The protesters demanded an immediate halt to excavation activities and disclosure of those who authorised the work.
What environmental concerns did the protesters raise?
They claimed the excavation threatens the ecosystem, climate balance, and natural structure of the hill.
Which authorities received memorandums from the protesters?
The protesters submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner.
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