Langnyu

Zunki river in Noklak district is locally called Langnyu. It is the biggest river in Khiamniungan region. ] In particular, the Langnyu is primary a water source of Noklak district, as it is an important economic river, supporting agriculture and fishing.

Langnyu River

It is also the biggest tributary of (flows into) Tizu river . The source of this river originates from the north-eastern part of Changdong forest in the south of Teku and flows southerly direction towards Noklak, Shamator and Kiphire and finally joins Tizu river below Kiphire.

Etymology

This native word "Langnyu" is a compound word in two syllables, i.e. Lang meaning dense or insurmountable, while Nyu is massive or great. Thus these two combination made up the word Langnyu. On the other hand, Zungki is an exonym for the locals in Noklak district and the usage is considerably low fuelled by lexical unfamiliarity. The other local name "Laang" is also popularized and the reason is variation of language in the community.

Tributaries

In Noklak district, the major right tributary of Langnyu is Lienyu which confluence below Kingnyu Village. As the river flows southward, one may see Laklo river that joins below Kingnyu king somewhere below Patsho Jurisdiction. This will be combined by Tsuaheu river below Shamator and Wapher village and later on Thongtsu village in the south. The left tributary Joklo river adjoined at the valley of Kingnyu king adjacent to Patsho territorial boundary. Thus, the volume of the river course increases with the combination of all these tributaries before it flows into Tizu river.

History

The earliest mention of Langnyu in the form of text or pictures are found in the books ofJ.H. Hutton, Diaries of Two Tours in the Unadministered Area East of the Naga Hills 1926, and Christoph von Furer-Haimendorf. Most of the great river folklores of the community are connected to this river. Even the folksong, Langnyu-Khiamjangje is directly signing of this river, where it can be translated, Langnyu water is flowing. The current infromation that lingers is, the volume of this river is said to have been significantly reduced comparatively over time. The People of the region were primarily dependent on this river for fish and other acquatic resources. It does supports the farming and other agricultural activities since time immemorial. But the dependecy has reduced and the volume is reduced to a high degree. The river course remains the same and the acquatic resources in this river are threatened.

Use of Water

This river has been very useful to the community over century. Before technology intervened, the use of water has been for agriculture or other farming activities. But with the inception of modern technology, Mini hydroelectric power plant has been set up at the source under Noklak district to harness the hydel potential for generating electricity for the neighbouring vilages and towns. Other than this, handful of irrigations are being done and this is notable along down the course.

Economy

The border trade in Nagaland will be augumented if the two rivers 'Tizu and Zunki' routes are declared as national waterways. Since, these rivers connects the places conveniently to commerce and trade. The western parts of Myanmar will be traveled through this water way at ease from the state and will unraveled the economic power of both the parties. The Nagaland state economy will be enhanced by the ambitious Tizu-Zunki river inland waterway project a corridor to connect South-east Asian countries. It will give an open door to create employment opportunities in the state and more economic activities will be initiated.

Ecology

The Langnyu from the source within the district to its culmination at Tizu is a habitat of fish for approximately 80 kms stretch and supports rich acquatic diverse species. The breed of local fish name Langnyu ngouh dominates the river in the region. Other species like langnyu jokchie, Papilio Memnon the great mormon, a large butterly are mostly found along the course of this river.

Crossings

There are no breathtaking or renowned bridges due to unimaginable terrains or mountainous landform amalgamated with the undermined economic experience in the region. But the routes that crosses are eminent in the south that leads to Thonoknyu village and neighbouring villages. In the north, that goes through is the road from Patsho Village to Kingnyu village that connects with Thonoknyu to Noklak road at Sanglau Village. The other road is from Noklak to Nokhu Village and Noklak to Pangsha and Dan at the Indo-Myanmar international border, International trade centre.

Pollution

Notably, Langnyu river could had been clear and blue in the olden days. Local Stories from those days, are fused with the river being green in color. But the advancement of all those modern technology and industrialization, the pollution is taking placed gradually. Especially after the confluence of all the tributaries and streams in the south. But, fortunately, the pollution is not extreme and is manageable due to low economic activities and less focus from the stakeholders in the region.