Shillong, Oct 31: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong has assured that steps are being taken to prevent pollution of the Umngot river.
Responding to concerns over the pollution of the river due to the ongoing construction of the Shillong-Dawki road, Tynsong said that the company responsible for the construction work has been instructed to take necessary measures to control and prevent debris from entering the river.
While acknowledging the difficulty in completely stopping debris from falling into the river, especially during excavation and construction work, the deputy CM emphasized that the company has been clearly directed to avoid dumping debris near streams that flow into the Umngot river.
“We have instructed the company to restrain the flowing of debris. At the same time, since the stream has water, if a small amount of debris falls, it will flow. There is difficulty in that. But we have given necessary instructions that the company should try its best to control and prevent debris from finding its way to the river to prevent pollution,” he told reporters on Thursday.
On asked, Tynsong added: “I cannot say because everything is there in the work order and contract agreement that when they are excavating, they should clear the debris to another place. I’m not saying that when carrying out earth cutting, not a single stone will not fall – that’s impossible. When you start construction, there will always be debris falling. However, we have given clear instructions to the company to avoid dumping debris near streams that find their way to the Umngot river.”
Umngot river, once celebrated as Asia’s cleanest river has turned muddy and lifeless, alarming local communities, tourism operators and enviromental organizations.
Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon had written to Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav requesting their intervention into the pollution of the river by halting all hill-cutting and soil disposal activities and to levy environmental compensation on NHIDCL.
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