Shillong, Nov 6: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh on the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for polluting the Umngot River.
The NHIDCL engaged for the construction of the Shillong-Dawki road project has been held responsible for environmental violations and was directed to pay the fine within 15 days.
The MSPCB said the road construction firm has violated the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
During an inspection carried out by the board on October 31, officials found extensive earthwork and excavation activities between the stretch in Laityngkot-Langkyrdem and Laityngkot-Pynursla and debris had been dumped without containment or stabilisation measures.
The pollution board found that filling works by the NHIDCL near the Pynursla-Dawki Bridge were carried out without retaining structures such as sandbags, causing loose material to slide toward the Umngot, raising the risk of erosion and sedimentation.
In Shnongpdeng tourist spot, officials found the waters to be muddy and turbid and in Darrang area the source of turbidity originated from Wah Umsong located at Laitlyngkot, which officials said is likely from within the package II of the project.
Officials further found that a large volume of excavated earth was dumped near one of the tributaries of the Umngot River, which could contribute to turbidity downstream.
