Owners of two restaurants near Umiam Lake said the construction was done after obtaining due permission and sanction as applicable.
This was claimed by Banalari Khongwar, owner of Ever Banalari Restaurant cum Guest House and Philosopher Iawphniaw, owner of Moon View Café through their lawyers during hearing of the PIL related to protection of Umiam Lake in the division bench of the Meghalaya High Court here today.
After hearing of the submissions made by the lawyers of Khongwar and Iawphniaw, the High Court directed them to file their affidavits enclosing copies of relevant documents indicating that due permission was obtained and all applicable rules were adhered to for construction of the two structures.
“Such affidavits should be filed by October 12,” the High Court said.
Khongwar’s lawyer also informed the court that Ever Banalari Restaurant cum Guest House has been sealed and is not being used.
The lawyer for Iawphniaw informed that the construction at Moon View Cafe has not been completed and as such it has not been used.
On this the High Court said that no injunction was issued in respect of the use of the two buildings.
Khongwar and Iawphniaw through their lawyers also claimed that there are several other constructions or activities undertaken which grievously pollute the Umiam lake, including the Orchid Resort run by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
The High Court has ordered the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to inspect the entire surroundings of the Umiam Lake and, “for a start, ensure that the activities undertaken by any person do not pollute the waters in any manner”.
The next hearing on the matter will be held on October 17.
