On April 26th, 2023, a written First Information Report (FIR) was received from SDO PHED, Lunglei, which reported that at approximately 9:00 AM, PHE personnel on duty at Pialthleng Pump House observed several dead crabs and prawns in Tlawng river, the main source of water supply to Lunglei town. The PHE personnel immediately recognized that the river had been intentionally contaminated with some form of poisonous substance, leading to the cessation of water pumping.
As a result, the Lunglei Police Station registered a case (C/No. 84/23 Dt. 26/4/2023) under sections 429/277 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) read with section 24 (6) of The Mizoram Forest Act and sections 43 and 24 (1)(a) of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The case was quickly investigated, and three suspects who were observed at the crime scene driving a Maruti Suzuki Eeco bearing registration number MZ02 C1368 were apprehended.
The suspects were identified as Lalawmpuia (43) s/o Thunrai, a resident of College Veng, Lunglei, Lalfakawma (26) s/o Lalrinhlua of College Veng, Lunglei, and Lalmuankima (32) s/o Tangkarai of Rahsi Veng, Lunglei. Upon sustained interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and were subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Further investigation revealed that the poisonous substance used to contaminate the river was “Record” (Cypermethrin 10%), which is a highly toxic pesticide that is commonly used in agriculture. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the crime and bring those responsible to justice.
This criminal and repugnant act has put the health and safety of many at risk. The contamination of the Tlawng river, which is the main source of water supply to Lunglei town, could have led to a significant outbreak of waterborne diseases and other health problems. The prompt action taken by the PHE personnel and the police in response to the incident is commendable and serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our natural resources and public health.
