Shillong, Oct 30: Representatives of tourism societies under Darang Elaka Dalloiship met Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to apprise him of the murky waters of Umngot River and demanded a thorough investigation.
The cleanest transparent river, the pride of Ri War has gone muddy. Tourism stakeholders have raised an alarm since October 28 that the once pristine crystal green river has turned brown. Tourism along the river and the livelihoods attached to it are in imminent danger of imploding.
The tourism societies that include Darrang Tourism Promotion and Development Society, Shnongpdeng Tourism Development Society, and Dawki Tourism Development Society said the river has suffered significant pollution, threatening its natural beauty and tourism reputation.
They stressed that the pollution has affected hundreds of local residents dependent on tourism, causing hardship and decline in tourist activity. The societies said the government must conduct a thorough investigation and take urgent remedial action to restore the river’s condition.
Meanwhile they also requested revision of daily road closure timings in Laitlyngkot area to ease tourist traffic flow during winter season.
The societies emphasised their commitment to development and progress, seeking government intervention to address the environmental issue and support local tourism.
