| Abstract: |
This study presents an in-depth analysis of the environmental health crisis unfolding in Moreh, a border town in Tengnoupal district, Manipur, India. Situated at the Indo-Myanmar frontier, Moreh plays a pivotal role in regional trade but suffers from a growing burden of air and water pollution. The Khujailok and Lairok rivers serve as lifelines for the region’s daily water and sanitation needs but have become heavily polluted due to unregulated dumping of solids waste, direct toilet discharge, piggery effluents, and sewage. Air quality is similarly compromised by vehicular emissions, biomass burning, construction dust, and open waste combustion. The study utilized a mixed-method research approach: field-based water and air sample analyses, structured household health surveys (n=300), and interviews with local residents and health professionals. A total of 100 water samples were taken from points along the Khujailok and Lairok rivers and tested for microbial pathogens, heavy metals, and physicochemical parameters. Concurrently, ambient air quality was monitored at six locations across Moreh to measure concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NO₂, and CO. Findings revealed that 85% of water samples were contaminated with E. coli and over 90% with coliform bacteria. Air pollution in Moreh town center was found to be five to seven times higher than WHO limits. Health impacts among local residents are profound: 39% reported chronic respiratory symptoms, 17.3% reported recurrent diarrhea, and 21% experienced chronic fatigue. Children and elderly individuals showed higher vulnerability. Strong positive correlations were found between PM2.5 levels and respiratory distress (r = 0.85) and between E. coli contamination and gastrointestinal disorders (r = 0.82). This article concludes with evidence-based recommendations for integrated waste management, air pollution control, and public health monitoring in Moreh. |
