Itanagar: The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) has called on the Arunachal Pradesh government to enact a comprehensive law dedicated to the protection and conservation of the state’s rivers, amid rising concerns over illegal extraction, pollution, and disruption of natural water flows.
The appeal was made during a meeting on Monday between a YMCR delegation, led by chairman S.D. Loda, and Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the state secretariat.
Highlighting the increasing threats to Arunachal’s waterbodies, YMCR proposed the formulation of a River Protection Act that would lay out clear community responsibilities, enforcement mechanisms, and administrative structures.
The group suggested drawing on successful legal frameworks from other states as models.
Among their key recommendations was the creation of a specialised department or cell within the state’s environment or water resources ministry.
This body would be tasked with monitoring river ecosystems, implementing regulations, coordinating restoration projects, and driving sustained public awareness campaigns.
YMCR also proposed that this new initiative complement the recently enacted Arunachal Pradesh Flood Plain Zoning Act, 2025, to form a more holistic water management strategy.
To foster a broader culture of environmental responsibility, the delegation recommended the institution of an annual ‘Arunachal River Day’ and a state-level conclave dedicated to environmental protection.
Additionally, YMCR requested that the chief minister assume the role of chief patron for the organisation, stating that his involvement would inspire greater youth engagement in conservation work.
Commending the group’s efforts, Khandu lauded the YMCR for combining grassroots activism with policy advocacy.
“It was inspiring to interact with the passionate members of Youth Mission for Clean River,” he wrote in a social media post.
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“These young individuals are not only cleaning rivers and educating communities but are also working to shape policy for long-term environmental impact.”
Khandu expressed his full support for the group’s mission and emphasized the importance of community-driven action in preserving Arunachal’s natural heritage.
“Our rivers are vital lifelines. I encourage everyone to join hands in protecting them for the future of our state and its people,” he added.
