Kamthenlal Dimngel
The Heart of Kangpokpi: The Vital Role of Gun Vadung (Imphal River)
The Gun Vadung River, locally known as the Imphal River, originates near Kangpokpi town in Manipur and flows southward through the district. It passes through several key areas, running from Kangpokpi town to Gamgiphai near Motbung, before eventually entering the Imphal Valley. Along its journey, the river and its tributaries serve as more than just natural water channels—they are vital lifelines for the communities they touch. The Gun Vadung supports agriculture, which is the backbone of local livelihoods, by supplying much-needed water for irrigation during both planting and harvesting seasons. In addition to its role in farming, the river also provides natural resources like sand, stones, and fish, offering diverse means of income to hundreds of households. During the lean season, when the water level decreases, its banks transform into popular sites for recreation, picnics, and community gatherings, reflecting the river’s cultural significance. Yet, despite its many contributions, the river’s value is often neglected in developmental planning.
In recent years, rising human activity and unregulated exploitation have placed increasing pressure on this fragile ecosystem. To protect what remains, there is an urgent need for collective awareness and sustainable practices. Gun Vadung is not just a river—it is the pulse of Kangpokpi’s environment and community life.
Pollution and Waste: Turning a Lifeline into a Dumping Ground
One of the most visible threats to the Gun Vadung(Imphal River) is the rampant dumping of garbage along its banks and into its waters. As human settlements have grown, so has waste generation—yet proper disposal systems remain inadequate. Households and nearby markets often treat the river as a convenient dumping site for plastic waste, leftover food, paper, cloth, and other refuse. These materials not only mar the river’s scenic beauty but also severely damage aquatic life and water quality. Plastic and non-biodegradable waste clog natural flow channels and contribute to water stagnation, increasing the risk of mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases. What was once a clean, flowing river has in many places become a polluted stream. The lack of environmental awareness, coupled with the absence of strong local waste management policies, worsens the situation.
Studies from similar hill districts in Northeast India highlight the urgent need for waste segregation and community-driven cleanup efforts (Singh & Devi, 2019). If not addressed immediately, this pollution could render the river unusable for drinking, irrigation, and fishing, which would deal a heavy blow to the local population. Preserving Gun Vadung(Imphal river) starts with recognising that it is not a dump but a vital living ecosystem.
Sand Mining and Stone Extraction: Economic Lifeline or Environmental Risk?
Sand and stone extraction from the Gun Vadung Riverbed is one of the major livelihood activities for many in the Gunhom area, particularly during the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The river provides a range of construction materials, from fine sand to medium and large stones, used in building homes, roads, and public structures. While these resources are valuable, the increasing demand has led to unsustainable mining practices. Excessive and unregulated extraction causes serious environmental damage—weakening riverbanks, altering natural flow patterns, and reducing water holding capacity. The effects are evident in the form of deep pits, eroded banks, and silting in downstream areas. These changes also disturb the aquatic habitat and threaten biodiversity.
Although mining supports hundreds of families financially, its long-term costs to the ecosystem could outweigh the short-term gains if left unchecked. Research in Manipur’s hill streams underscores the importance of introducing community-based sand mining regulations to protect river health (Nongmaithem & Devi, 2020). A sustainable approach would involve limiting extraction, enforcing seasonal bans, and promoting alternative income opportunities. Gun Vadung’s(Imphal river) contribution to the local economy is undeniable, but preserving it for future generations means finding the right balance between use and conservation.
Ecological Threats: Harmful Fishing and Agricultural Runoff
Another growing concern along the Gun Vadung River is the use of harmful fishing techniques. Some local fishermen use chemicals or toxic substances to stun or kill fish, making capture easier. While this may result in larger short-term catches, it severely impacts aquatic life and pollutes the water, affecting other species and human users. Moreover, agricultural practices in surrounding areas contribute to runoff filled with fertilisers and pesticides, especially during the rainy season. These pollutants flow directly into the river, leading to eutrophication—excess nutrients that cause algal blooms, deplete oxygen, and kill aquatic life. The combined impact of toxic fishing and agrochemical runoff is an alarming sign of ecological imbalance.
Similar studies from other rivers in Northeast India have shown a link between declining fish populations and these harmful practices (Thangjam & Singh, 2018). To protect the river’s biodiversity and ensure safe water for farming and domestic use, local authorities and communities must work together. Solutions include educating fishermen, promoting organic farming, and implementing buffer zones to filter runoff before it enters the river. Gun Vadung’s(Imphal River) survival depends on how responsibly its resources are used and managed today.
Infrastructure and the Path Ahead: Balancing Development and Conservation
Infrastructure development, especially the ongoing expansion of the National Highway near Gun Vadung, poses yet another set of challenges. Road widening, land levelling, and bridge construction have led to the destruction of riverbank vegetation, increased sedimentation, and encroachment on natural floodplains. While improved road connectivity is essential for economic growth, it should not come at the cost of degrading the region’s most important natural water source. Construction debris is often dumped near or into the river, disrupting the flow and damaging aquatic habitats. As observed in similar infrastructure projects in Manipur, failure to integrate environmental safeguards leads to long-term ecological degradation (Devi & Singh, 2020).
The way forward requires a balanced approach: strict enforcement of environmental regulations, regular monitoring of construction sites, and reforestation efforts along the riverbanks. At the same time, local stakeholders, including village councils and youth groups, must be involved in awareness campaigns and conservation projects. Gun Vadung(Imphal river) is more than just a river—it is a symbol of life, culture, and sustenance for Kangpokpi. Protecting it demands not just policies, but collective action rooted in respect for nature and community resilience.
About the contributor: Kamthenlal Dimngel is a PhD scholar at Manipur University and a fellow of EPAYF 2.0 – Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship, Cohort 2.0.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
Sustainability Benchmarking: A Comparison of the ESG Frameworks of Europe and India
Indian Knowledge Systems, 2020: Reviving Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges
Acknowledgment: This article was posted by Riya Rawat, researcher at IMPRI.
