ITANAGAR : Single-use plastic and packaging waste emerged as the biggest pollutants of the Yagamso River during a river clean-up and waste audit conducted by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society (AMMS) at Chandranagar on Sunday.

Supported by the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (ISCDCL), the drive removed around 2,160 kg of waste from the riverbed and its banks.

Besides cleaning the river, volunteers carried out a detailed waste audit to identify the major sources of pollution. The exercise found that single-use plastics and packaging materials accounted for a significant share of the waste, along with construction debris, discarded clothing and household refuse.

Among the items recovered were 151 plastic bags, 122 cement bags, 115 playing cards, 77 disposable diapers, 55 plastic bottles, 55 pieces of clothing, 53 instant noodle packets, 50 electric wires and 33 metal rods. Volunteers also collected sanitary waste, cigarette butts, school bags, medicine packets and electronic waste.

The organisers said the wide variety of discarded materials indicated that indiscriminate domestic dumping and littering were major contributors to the river’s pollution.

YMCR Vice Chairman Keyom Doni said the waste audit was as significant as the clean-up itself because it helped identify the nature and sources of pollution instead of merely removing waste.

He noted that the predominance of plastic packaging and other single-use items underscored the urgent need for greater public awareness and stricter waste management practices along riverbanks. He added that YMCR would continue organising similar drives and use the audit findings to engage local authorities and communities on sustainable waste disposal practices.

The organisers thanked the NICE Generation Church Committee for providing access to the river and allowing the use of its premises, which facilitated the smooth conduct of the programme.

Youth Pastor Robi Bagang lauded the volunteers for translating concern for the environment into meaningful action. He commended their commitment to community service and environmental conservation, noting that their efforts set an example of active public participation.

The organisers also expressed gratitude to Pastor Robi Bagang and the church committee for their hospitality, support and cooperation in ensuring the successful conduct of the river clean-up drive.