Itanagar, Aug 3: The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd, conducted a major river clean-up drive along the Yagamso River at Chandranagar on Sunday, removing approximately 2,160 kg of waste from the riverbed and its banks.
In addition to clearing the accumulated waste, volunteers carried out a comprehensive waste audit to identify the nature and sources of pollution affecting the river. The audit found that single-use plastics and packaging materials accounted for the bulk of the waste, along with construction debris, discarded clothing, and household items.
Among the items recovered were 151 plastic bags, 122 cement bags, 115 playing cards, 77 disposable diapers, 55 plastic bottles, 55 pieces of clothing, 53 instant noodle packets, 50 electric wires, and 33 metal rods. Volunteers also collected sanitary waste, cigarette butts, school bags, medicine packets, electronic waste, and several other discarded materials.
The organisers said the wide variety of waste indicated that both indiscriminate domestic dumping and unchecked littering were major contributors to the degradation of the Yagamso River.
Speaking on the occasion, YMCR vice chairman Keyom Doni said the waste audit was as important as the clean-up itself because it helped identify the major sources of pollution rather than merely removing the waste.
He noted that the overwhelming presence of plastic packaging and other single-use items highlighted the urgent need for greater public awareness and stricter waste management practices along riverbanks.
Doni said YMCR would continue organising similar clean-up drives and utilise the audit findings to engage with local authorities and communities on promoting sustainable waste disposal practices.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the NICE Generation Church Committee for allowing the use of its premises and providing access to the river, which facilitated the smooth conduct of the programme.
Youth Pastor Robi Bagang of NICE Generation Church lauded the volunteers for their dedication, describing their efforts as a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation. He remarked that while many people express concern for the environment, the volunteers had translated their commitment into action by dedicating their time to community service and river conservation.