The Chite Lui River, situated in the northeastern state of Mizoram, is a vital water body that carries immense cultural and sentimental worth for the local population. Unfortunately, the river’s health is under threat primarily due to unplanned urbanisation, encroachments on its banks, and businesses dumping waste unchecked. This article seeks to explore these challenges and examine initiatives aimed at preserving the Chite Lui River.
About the Chite Lui River
The Chite Lui River is nestled within an alluvial valley perched at a roughly 1,000-metre altitude. The river commences its journey from the Bawngkawn range located in north Aizawl and flows along an approximately 20 km tract before merging with the River Tuirial.
Challenges Faced by the Chite Lui River
Urbanisation: As Aizawl city has grown rapidly, the haphazard expansion activity on the banks and river bed of Chite Lui has increased. Many residential structures, commercial outlets, garages, food outlets and other facilities have infringed upon the river’s territory, decreasing its breadth and depth. Soil erosion and loss of natural vegetation due to deforestation and land-use changes are added concerns.
Pollution: The river has been transformed into an urban waste disposal site, negatively impacting the aquatic life, biodiversity, and overall health of the river and its users.
Saving The Chite Lui River: Significant Initiatives
Zoram Research Foundation: A non-profit committed to traditional water management in Mizoram took on the task of saving the Chite Lui River. Since 2007, the foundation initiated projects, including surveys, awareness promotions, clean-up initiatives, and advocacy programs. They also established the ‘Save Chite Lui Coordination Committee’ that comprised local leaders, experts, activists, and volunteers to coordinate the efforts.
Chite Lui (Prevention and Control of Water Pollution) Act, 2018: In 2018, the government of Mizoram passed an act to outlaw the dumping of animal carcasses and biomedical waste into the river. The act also grants monitoring and regulating powers to the state pollution control board concerning activities that may affect the quality or quantity of river water.
River Restoration Project: This project, initiated by the Mizoram government, aims at reviving the Chite Lui River. The plan includes removing encroachments, restoring natural vegetation, constructing check dams, improving drainage and sewerage systems, and creating recreational facilities along the river.
Additional Information
The longest river in Mizoram is the 138.46-km long Chhimtuipui, originating from Myanmar Burma. The river is split into patches and has four tributaries. Other crucial rivers in Mizoram include Tlawng, Tuirial, and Tuivawl, which traverse through the northern territory and finally merge with the Barak River in Assam.