The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to establish a specific river protection Act to combat threats to the state’s water bodies. This proposal was made during a meeting involving a YMCR delegation led by chairman S D Loda and Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The delegation highlighted the necessity for thorough legal and administrative actions, taking cues from effective models implemented in other states. The YMCR suggested the formation of a specialized department within the environment or water resources department to oversee river health, enforce regulations, coordinate restoration activities, and implement public education programs. Additionally, the group recommended the establishment of an annual ‘Arunachal River Day’ and a dedicated state-level conference focused on environmental protection. Khandu was asked to take on the role of chief patron of YMCR, as his backing would encourage increased youth involvement in river conservation initiatives.
