Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Jaiñtia Hills, S S Syiemlieh along with officials of PHE Department, Water Resources Department and representatives of Hynriew Shnong Wah Lukha Association yesterday inspected Lukha River to oversee implementation of the Rs 2.5 crore project for rejuvenation of the river.
Delhi-based Trinity Impex International has been entrusted with the pilot project of treating the water at the river and improves its pH value through use of micro-green algae.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection of the river, Syiemlieh said algae solution is the only way to treat the acidic water and restore aquatic life in the Lukha River.
“Due to the lockdown the project was delayed. Scientists from Trinity Impex International will visit the area in the second week of this month and we expect that the project will start soon with the cooperation of Hynriew Shnong Wah Lukha Association,” Syiemlieh said.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner also said that a survey conducted by Water Resources Department showed that the water from Sakhaiñ and other upstream areas has been affected by high levels of acidity due to coal mining.
“As far as the downstream areas are concerned we are awaiting the report by the State Pollution Board since there are so many cement and coke factories and all the effluents from these factories end up in the river. Let the experts give their finding,” Syiemlieh said.
He also said that there was need for awareness programmes to enlighten people in the upstream areas on the need to preserve Lukha River which is a source of livelihood for people living downstream.
Meanwhile, president of Hynriew Shnong Wah Lukha Association, Womsar Talang and secretary Daiapherbha Lamare, have expressed their gratitude to the East Jaiñtia Hills district administration for the initiative to rejuvenate Lukha River.
They also said that they would closely monitor the progress of the project so that the river returns to its pristine glory.
