Shillong, Aug 18: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal led two separate joint inspections to address pressing civic issues in the district.
At Urkaliar, the DC along with Operation Clean Up Shillong, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, police, and community representatives from Umpling, Lapalang, Nongrah and Nongmensong assessed pollution in the Wah Umkhrah river on Tuesday.
The team also inspected downstream areas where complaints of encroachment and improper sewerage structures have been reported.
Interacting with locals, the DC said the visit aimed to understand ground realities first-hand. It was decided that a broad-based meeting will be convened at the DC Office to chart a coordinated course of action, with roles to be demarcated for all stakeholders.
Yesterday, the DC inspected the Lum Survey area with police and Cantonment and MeECL officials.
The area has emerged as a hotspot for drug use with people living in unsafe conditions.
Baranwal said the Cantonment area falling within its ambit, along with related eviction matters, remain sub-judice, adding a layer of legal complexity to any intervention.
The DC commended police for frequent raids and stressed that a lasting solution will require a humane, multi-departmental approach involving the administration, police, Cantonment Board and other agencies to tackle drug abuse, unsafe habitation and legal issues.
Officials said restoring Wah Umkhrah and reclaiming Lum Survey will need sustained, collective effort across departments and communities.
