Shillong, Nov 10: Underlying the need for a clean aquatic ecosystem, the Meghalaya Swimming Association (MSA) Saturday organized a swimming competition on the theme ‘Save Aquatic Ecosystem” at Umiam. Former home minister, AH Scott Lyngdoh- who is also a veteran swimmer-flagged off the competition.
Concerned over the pollution of the river bodies in the city and its suburbs, the MSA undertook this exercise of spreading the message to highlight the adverse effects of polluting the river bodies like the Umkhrah and the Umshyrpi Rivers through such competition.
“Our main objective was to exhibit a candid image of the rivers’ condition flowing through the city and going down to the Umiam River which is the home of many aquatic species”, MSA president Joe Marwein said
Marwein rued the present condition of these two rivers saying, “The two main rivers at present is nothing but a mere drain carrying nothing but pollutants posing a threat not only to the aquatic ecosystem but to human beings as well who use the water for many purposes”.
Stressing on Saturday’s theme, Marwein said, “People should not misuse the natural water resources since it will not harm only the aquatic species but the general people as a whole” adding “people should preserve God’s natural gift not for their self interest but for the interest of the public and the future generation as well.”
About 24 participants, both young and old ,between the age group of 10-63 years old (10 minors and 14 adults) participated in Saturday’s swimming competition with great enthusiasm covering a distance of about 1km at Umiam.
The youngest participant was 10 years old and oldest aged 63 years and both were seen participating with passion without paying attention to the chilliness and frostiness of the water. By Our Reporter
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