Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian football star Jeje Lalpekhlua has joined hands along with some youths from his village to form a group that works day and night to help preserve the ecosystem of the river that flows close to their homes . “Overfishing has greatly reduced the number of fishes in the Tuichang River over the years. It was turning out to be a big problem, even for the local fishermen, who depend on the river for their livelihoods,” Jeje said to the-aiff.com when asked about the initiative.
The local people of the village- Model Veng Hnahthial, thus identified a 500m stretch along the banks of the Tuichang, where the fish are believed to have their spawning ground, and they then set up a 24-hour patrol, taking different shifts, to make sure no fishing activities go on in those areas. “The guys in the village have really worked hard to ensure that this happens. They have all taken rotating shifts around the clock for 24 hours to keep an eye on the river banks. I have also been helping out whenever I’ve been in town,” he continued. “Of course, it’s not always possible during the season, when we had to spend five months in the bio-bubble in the Hero ISL,” he said.
Jeje, along with the local boys from the village, has been in constant touch with the local government authorities who have also stood by and supported their conservation activities. (Story courtesy AIFF)