Shillong, April 14: Meghalaya government on Friday discussed Rejuvenation and Restoration of the major rivers of Shillong – Wahumkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi, and Wah Umkhen – with officials and traditional heads.

The meeting was held at Yojana Bhawan that was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister A L Hek, Chief Secretary D P Wahlang, senior officers, members of Dorbar Shnongs, and representatives from different civil bodies.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the objective of the meeting was to identify critical gaps and devise a future action plan for the rejuvenation and restoration of the three important rivers of Shillong. He solicited the participation and suggestions of the Dorbar Shnongs and the communities in this process.

The Chief Minister also said that there needs to be a balance between ecology and economy adding, “The meeting that we are having today is a part of the larger agenda of the State government to have a balance among livelihood, economy and environment so that while the economic needs are being taken care of the environment is also protected and conserved for future generations,” he said.

He also said that the government is committed to rejuvenation and restoration of all water bodies in the State.

He also highlighted some of the programmes of the government for climate change mitigation which include sewage and waste management, phasing out single-use plastic, mitigating air pollution through the use of electric vehicles, and afforestation and community participation through awareness and involvement of students and youth through programmes and designing curriculum.

In his presentation, Chief Secretary D P Wahlang informed that Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi are among the 45 most polluted rivers in the country as listed by NGT. He called upon the active participation of the community and different stakeholders like KHADC, Dorbar Shnongs, civil society organizations in awareness and mobilization.

The meeting ended with an interactive session where members of different organizations and bodies actively participated.

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