Officials say fencing is a last resort — but will it change citizens’ behavior?

By Manna Sangma

Shillong, Aug 3: In a costly bid to tackle river pollution, the Meghalaya government is spending nearly ₹8 crore to fence off vulnerable sections of the Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi rivers. The unusual step, aimed at physically stopping people from dumping waste, raises a pointed question: why must taxpayers foot the bill for something as basic as civic sense?

Hub News visited the fenced sites, where the rivers indeed looked cleaner. To understand the reasoning and challenges behind the project, we spoke with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and F.B. Chyne, Executive Engineer of the Shillong Municipal Board.

With Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar

Hub News: The government is spending a considerable amount to fence Shillong’s rivers. Why was this step necessary?

Deputy CM Dhar: We have conducted awareness programs time and again to stop people from throwing garbage into the Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi, but the problem persists. That’s why we launched this pilot project, fencing about 6–8 kilometers of the most open stretches along bridges and riverbanks. It’s the only way to physically prevent rubbish from being dumped.

Hub News: But isn’t this an expensive solution to a problem that comes down to a lack of civic sense?

Deputy CM Dhar: Unfortunately, yes. Despite repeated campaigns, the public response wasn’t what we expected. So, we had no choice but to launch this project. I am confident, though, that people are beginning to understand the importance of cleanliness. This is a fast-track project, and I hope citizens will realize the government’s seriousness.

Hub News: What’s your long-term vision? Do you expect to keep fencing rivers indefinitely?

Deputy CM Dhar: Not at all. This is just the beginning. I hope that in time, such projects will no longer be necessary. But right now, I appeal to all citizens to join us in keeping the city neat and clean. The government is committed to cleanliness — and this fencing is proof of that commitment.

With F.B. Chyne, Executive Engineer, Shillong Municipal Board

Hub News: Mr. Chyne, why did the city feel the need to physically fence the rivers?

F.B. Chyne: The government is deeply concerned about pollution in the Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi. Despite awareness drives, we still find a lot of solid waste in these rivers. While education is ongoing, immediate action was needed to reduce pollution at the worst stretches.

Hub News: How did you identify the locations for fencing?

F.B. Chyne: Zonal Task Force committees inspected the riverbanks and consulted with local leaders and residents. Initially, they recommended about 10 kilometers, but after reassessment, we focused on six kilometers where dumping was most severe.

Hub News: Shillong began waste segregation in 2015. What progress has the city made since then?

F.B. Chyne: Significant progress. In 2016, we collected about 70% of the city’s waste, with only 40–50% segregated. Today, we collect nearly 96%, with around 70% segregation. Of that, about 60–70% is now processed instead of going to landfills.

Hub News: If progress has been strong, why is fencing still required?

F.B. Chyne: Because that remaining 4% — about four tonnes of waste — still ends up in our rivers. It may sound small, but it’s a huge volume. Until we eliminate this entirely, we need both awareness campaigns and physical measures like fencing.

For now, Shillong’s rivers are cleaner behind fences. But the bigger question lingers: how long must the city spend crores to enforce what should be an act of basic civic responsibility.

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