Shillong, Sep 10: The Meghalaya High Court was informed that 19 persons are suffering from cancer in the Byrnihat area as it heard a PIL on pollution in Umtrew river.
A bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh took on record status reports filed by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and Health Department on Thursday.
The health report, filed by Additional Advocate General ND Chullai, revealed about 19 cancer cases. It also indicated that some industries earlier shut for violations have been permitted to reopen after compliance.
The court directed MSPCB to collect water samples of Umtrew river and all other rivers and submit lab reports.
The state was also asked to file an affidavit with photographs on whether garbage dumped under Umtrew river bridge has been cleared.
The court further directed the Central Pollution Control Board to file an affidavit on steps taken by Assam Pollution Control Board regarding pollution on Assam side of Byrnihat and action by task force.
