The United Achik Youth Federation (UAYF) has accused Dhar Construction of illegally dumping soil and waste into the Ranikor river in South West Khasi Hills thereby destroying the biodiversity of the area in question.
In a release to the media, UAYF president, Sangrra Marak brought the issue of illegal dumping to the notice of people after it found the construction company recklessly dumping earth right into the river body.
“The company has been constructing the NH from Ranikor to Baghmara via Moheskhola since 2018 but their act is causing serious issues to the water body by polluting and causing harm to the aquatic life of the river,” said Sangrra in a release today.
He added that the Ranikor river is serene and beautiful with innumerable fish within. The river is the longest navigable river in the state.
“Polluting the river for the benefit of the company is not acceptable. It is our duty to protect and to avoid biodiversity imbalances. The company could have arranged several other ways to dump the extracted earth but they are knowingly doing this to spoil the biodiversity,” he alleged.
Sangrra felt that the company would be the sole reason for the damage caused to Ranikor and they would not keep quiet and let further harm come to the environment.
“The government bodies responsible for conservation of water and aquatic animals should immediately investigate the matter and stop the reckless activities by Dhar company,” he asserted.
A similar concern was also raised by villagers on haphazard dumping of mud into the Ranikor river for construction of a two-lane road project from Khadphra to Nongjri.
The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Ranikor area unit also stated that the river has started changing its colour due to dumping of mud.
