The Meghalaya High Court today sought a report from the State government regarding all construction activities around the Umiam Lake including those located at least within 100 meters of the water.
The order was issued by a division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh on a public interest litigation related to cleanliness of Umiam Lake.
During today’s hearing, the State government submitted its report before the court regarding measures to protect Umiam Lake. However, the report does not hint at any construction coming up by the lake.
In its order, the High Court said that it is imperative that the environment and ecology around Umiam Lake be preserved. Further, it also said that it is essential for any big construction coming up near the lake to obtain clearance from the environmental authorities, notwithstanding the land belonging to the District Council.
“The State will report all construction activities around the lake, at least within 100 meters of the water anywhere near Umiam Lake and indicate the nature of such construction and as to whether any environmental impact assessment has been conducted or due permission has been granted by the appropriate authorities for the construction activities to be undertaken or the project to be commenced. Carrying of the construction material must also be regulated to ensure that the delicate ecology is not unduly disturbed. A further report in such regard should be available within a week after the vacation,” the High Court said.
Further, the High Court said that it is obligatory that large water-bodies in the State, whether man-made or otherwise, which attract tourists should have trained lifeguards and security personnel, both to regulate the movement of tourists and also in case of any emergency stemming out of tourist adventurism.
“Primary treatment facilities, particularly first-aid kits and lifesaving implements together with rubber inflatable tyres should be available at locations which attract a large number of tourists,” the order said. The matter will come up for hearing again on February 2, 2022.
