Algae are set to be released to restore the Lukha River by scientists entrusted with the rejuvenation under the District Mineral Fund for Phycoremediation.
Delhi-based Trinity Impex International (TII), an expert consultant entrusted with the rejuvenation has cultivated the algae in 14 different ponds at Sonapyrdi village and these are set to be released after the monsoon.
TII Deputy General Manager, Dr Sapan Anand said the algae will be released during the second week of October this year.
The Lukha River in the Jaiñtia Hills is a major source of livelihood for many families has recently turned blue due to acid mine drainage and other industrial discharge into the river. The algae treatment earmarked Rs 2.5 crore was contemplated by the State government to improve the water quality afflicted by acid mine drainage.
TII Director, Dr Sapan Anand said algae plays an important role in rejuvenating the toxic river as these organisms will absorb the acid mine drainage and help in restoring the pH level of the water. He said rejuvenation of the Lukha was a pilot project and hoped it becomes a success.
He said that cleaning the rivers using the algae was done after a research of 20 years and that there are more than 27000 types of algae and their different types can be used for different purposes.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Sukh Dev Singh informed that a report was also submitted to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on the reasons why Lukha River turns blue.
He said that the river system from Mookynpad, that is yellowish get mixed with various metal and compound and as it flows down streams and reaches Lukha river, it turns blue. This, he said, is the reflection of all the metals and compounds that does not get diluted during the winters when the river system is small.
